We all have goals that we want to achieve in life, whether it’s personal, professional, or both. But sometimes, we struggle to stay on track and make progress towards our dreams. How can we overcome the challenges and obstacles that get in our way? How can we stay motivated and focused on our vision?
In this blog post, I will share with you five ways to achieve your goals, with examples from my own experience and others who have succeeded in their fields. These are not the only methods, but they are proven and effective strategies that can help you reach your desired outcomes.
1. Achieve Your Goals: Set SMART Goals
The first step to achieving your goals is to set them properly. A good way to do that is to use the SMART criteria, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that your goals should be clear and well-defined, have a way to track your progress and results, be realistic and attainable, align with your values and purpose, and have a deadline or timeframe.
For example, one of my goals is to write a book on personal development. Using the SMART criteria, I can break it down into smaller and more manageable steps:
- Specific: I want to write a book on personal development that covers topics such as mindset, habits, productivity, happiness, and success.
- Measurable: I will measure my progress by the number of words I write each day, week, and month. I will also track the feedback I receive from my beta readers and editors.
- Achievable: I have the skills and knowledge to write a book on personal development, as I have been studying and practicing these topics for years. I also have the resources and tools to write and publish a book, such as a laptop, a word processor, an online platform, etc.
- Relevant: Writing a book on personal development is relevant to me because it is my passion and purpose. I want to share my insights and experiences with others who want to improve their lives. It is also relevant to my audience because they are interested in learning and growing as well.
- Time-bound: I want to finish writing my book by the end of this year. That means I have 12 months to complete it.
By setting SMART goals, you can clarify your vision, focus your efforts, and increase your chances of success.
“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” – Zig Ziglar
2. Achieve Your Goals: Break Down Your Goals Into Actionable Steps
The next step to achieving your goals is to break them down into smaller and more actionable steps. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by your big goals. It will also help you create a plan of action that you can follow and execute.
For example, one of the steps I need to take to write my book is to outline the chapters and subtopics. This will help me organize my ideas and structure my content. To break it down further, I can list the main points I want to cover in each chapter and subtopic.
By breaking down your goals into actionable steps, you can simplify your tasks and make them more manageable.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
3. Achieve Your Goals: Schedule Your Tasks And Stick To It
The third step to achieving your goals is to schedule your tasks and stick to it. This means that you need to allocate time and energy for working on your goals every day or week. You also need to commit to your schedule and avoid distractions or procrastination.
For example, one of the tasks I need to do every day is to write at least 500 words for my book. To make sure I do it consistently, I have blocked out an hour every morning for writing. This is when I feel most creative and productive. I also turn off my phone and email notifications during this time so that nothing can interrupt me.
By scheduling your tasks and sticking to it, you can create a routine and a habit that will help you move closer to your goals.
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
4. Achieve Your Goals: Review Your Progress And Celebrate Your Wins
The fourth step to achieving your goals is to review your progress and celebrate your wins. This means that you need to monitor your results and evaluate your performance regularly. You also need to acknowledge your achievements and reward yourself for your hard work.
For example, one of the ways I review my progress is by using a spreadsheet where I record the number of words I write each day, week, and month. This helps me see how far I have come and how much more I need to do. One of the ways I celebrate my wins is by treating myself to something nice after completing a chapter or a milestone. This could be anything from watching a movie, eating out, or buying a new book.
By reviewing your progress and celebrating your wins, you can stay motivated and inspired by your growth and improvement.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
5. Achieve Your Goals: Seek Feedback And Support From Others
The fifth step to achieving your goals is to seek feedback and support from others. This means that you need to ask for advice and guidance from people who have more experience or expertise than you. You also need to seek encouragement and accountability from people who care about you and your goals.
For example, one of the ways I seek feedback is by sending my drafts to my beta readers and editors who can give me constructive criticism and suggestions on how to improve my writing. One of the ways I seek support is by joining a mastermind group of other authors who can share their challenges and successes with me and keep me on track.
By seeking feedback and support from others, you can learn from their perspectives and experiences, and benefit from their wisdom and friendship.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb
Motivational Life Story
How a Blind Man Climbed Mount Everest (Inspired by Step 2: Break Down Your Goals Into Actionable Steps)
Erik Weihenmayer is a remarkable man who has achieved many incredible feats in his life. He is an adventurer, author, speaker, and activist. He has also climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mount Everest.
But what makes his story even more amazing is that he is blind.
Erik lost his sight at the age of 13 due to a rare genetic disorder. He was devastated and depressed, feeling like his life was over. He felt isolated and helpless, unable to do the things he loved.
But he didn’t give up on his dreams. He decided to challenge himself and pursue his passion for adventure. He learned how to ski, kayak, rock climb, and mountain bike. He joined a blind wrestling team and became a champion. He graduated from Boston College with honors and became a teacher.
He also set his sights on climbing the highest mountain in the world: Mount Everest.
He knew it was a daunting and dangerous goal, but he was determined to make it happen. He trained hard and prepared well. He assembled a team of experienced climbers who supported him and guided him along the way. He broke down his goal into smaller and more manageable steps, focusing on one day at a time, one camp at a time, one step at a time.
He faced many challenges and obstacles on his journey. He endured harsh weather, altitude sickness, fatigue, and fear. He had to rely on his other senses, such as hearing, touch, and smell, to navigate the terrain. He had to trust his team members, who communicated with him through radios and bells.
But he also experienced many joys and wonders. He felt the beauty and majesty of nature. He felt the camaraderie and friendship of his team. He felt the thrill and satisfaction of overcoming adversity.
On May 25th, 2001, after two months of climbing, Erik reached the summit of Mount Everest. He became the first blind person in history to do so. He was ecstatic and grateful. He had achieved his goal.
But he didn’t stop there. He continued to pursue his adventures and inspire others with his story. He founded an organization called No Barriers, which helps people with disabilities and challenges to live a full and active life. He wrote several books and gave many speeches. He also completed other remarkable feats, such as kayaking the entire length of the Grand Canyon.
Erik Weihenmayer is a living example of how breaking down your goals into actionable steps can help you achieve anything you set your mind to. He shows us that nothing is impossible if you have a vision, a plan, and a passion.
He shows us that blindness is not a barrier to greatness.
Conclusion
Achieving your goals is not easy, but it is possible. By following these five steps, you can set yourself up for success and make your dreams a reality.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Enjoy the process, have fun, and celebrate every step of the way.
