The best way to reach a goal is to start with a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Is your goal to buy a house in the next five years, take a vacation or maybe chip away at a pile of debt you’ve accumulated?
Whatever your goal, you’ll need a plan to get there. You’ve heard the quote, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. That’s so true.
However, in some cases, the idea of reaching a goal can be overwhelming. You know what you want to achieve, but thinking about the task can be stressful. That’s why a plan with small milestones — easier to achieve steps — can help you out.
Think about breaking your big goal into smaller achieveable steps. If your goal involves a financial commitment, you might consider setting aside a small amount of money each pay or giving up your weekly trip to your favourite shopping haunt for a once a month visit. If it’s getting a home ready to move, you might set aside a regular time to clear out a room or pack up a space.
With a clear goal and a plan in place, here’s a strategy to help you stay focused and driven. It’s called visualization!
There are a number of ways to visualize your end goal. Here are a few of my favourite.
Picture yourself at the end. My goal is to one day own a cottage near a lake. I close my eyes and I can picture myself relaxing on the front deck, taking in the fresh air. Picturing myself achieving my end goal helps me stay focused on where I’m heading and why.
Create a vision board. A vision board is a collection of images and words that represent your goal. Use your printer, scissors, markers and glue to make a collage of what you see. Post it where you can see it regularly.
Write yourself a letter. What will you tell your future self when you achieve your goal? Writing a message is a good reminder of how you’re going to feel when you’re on that dream vacation or moving into your new home. If you journal, you can write little messages to yourself along the way.
Put it out there. Some people believe that if you tell the world, you can help manifest your goal. Telling the world is one way of solidifying your end goal.
Picture your happy place. Relieve a little stress along the way by picturing your happy place — a place where you’re most relaxed and have mental clarity.
What does your goal look like and what milestones have you set to help you reach them? Visualize them and make them happen!
Now get to it!
Writing for you. 