Achieve Your Goals – One Small Step at a Time
One small step for man; One giant leap for mankind” are the words Astronaut Neil Armstrong uttered as he disembarked from the space shuttle to be the first man to walk on the moons surface.
If you think about all the planning behind the historic first step on the moon, then you’ll understand why “One small step at a time” is the basic theory behind breaking your goals down into measurable steps.
Neil Armstrong didn’t wake up one day and say “Oh, I think I’ll go to the moon today.” He spent years training for the historic first step on the moon. He wasn’t even able to board a spacecraft before he had attained the knowledge, commitment and focus required to be successful. Can you imagine the dedication Mr. Armstrong had?
At times everyone finds it difficult to remain 100% focused on a goal – Especially in today topsy-turvy world of change. Even the smallest goals can become tiresome at times.
Realistic expectations and a positive attitude, combined with small action steps can make your goals more achievable.
How?
First off you need to know and understand your specific goal. We suggest your begin with a small simple goal. Write your goal down on several pieces of construction paper. Hang them up everywhere. This is your first step to focusing on your commitment.
Now you’re ready to break your goal down into small steps.
Examples:
1) Let’s say it’s August and your goal is to lose 50 pounds and to run two miles a day by February
Step 1 – On construction paper you’ll write down February, 50 pounds, run two miles a day
Step 2 – Focus daily on your written goal
Step 3 – Break it down into smaller steps
Step 4 – Find a specific weight loss plan to follow
Step 5 – Jog for 10 minutes a day
Step 6 – In your second week run for 10 minutes a day
Step 7 – Third week increase your running time to 15 minutes a day
Keep expanding on your steps until you reach your goal
2) Let’s say it’s January and your goal is to save one thousand dollars by December
Step 1 – On construction paper you’ll write December, One Thousand Dollars
Step 2 – Focus daily on your written goal
Step 3 – Brown bag it for lunch one day per week, to save five dollars a week
Step 4 – Second month, brown bag it for lunch two days per week and save ten dollars per week
Step 5 – Third month, forego your morning java at Starbucks one day a week and saved additional five dollars a week
To save a thousand dollars all you need to do is figure out simple things you can do without that total twenty dollars a week. This could be a new outfit, a night out, etc.
You’ll become more motivated to continue upon achievement of each and every step. You’ll be seeing results and your confidence will build.
Keep a success journal. Every day write about your goal and the steps you took that day to achieve it. Read it often. It will help you to stay focused. You’re not perfect – so don’t expect to be. That’s just adding pressure to yourself that you don’t need. Expect to make mistakes every now and then. Learn from them, and continue your path to achieving your goals.
Never Give Up! Too many people quit within an inch of success. Persistence and consistency is the key to success. Reward your self along the way. Enjoy your journey of life. If Neil Armstrong can walk on the moon; you can accomplish anything you set out to do.
Without clearly defined goals, you simply can’t achieve the success you want! Goals, by Zig Ziglar guides you through a clear, beautifully organized ’success trip.’ Along the way, you’ll learn how to recognize and set your goals. You’ll learn techniques for finding extra time you didn’t think you had and for cutting down big goals to easy-to-handle size.
What is keeping you from achieving your dreams?
Sign up for your Free Secrets of Achievement and Change Session Today! Together we will clarify your vision, develop a 3-stage action plan and uncover hidden challenges that might be sabotaging your dreams.
Very good article! I’ve been recently using a goal setting app called GoalsOnTrack and it has worked very well. It saves me a lot of time in keeping track of my goals and most importantly it helps me better organize my daily to dos towards achieving my goals. You may want to check it out.