1. DO write it down: While I’m not necessarily a fan of dream boards, I am a fan of regularly jotting down your goals. Because, how can you expect to hit your mark if you haven’t taken the time to write it down? Not to mention, a Virginia Tech University study found that people who regularly write down their goals earn nine times more over their lifetime than people who don’t. Oddly enough, the same findings revealed that 80 percent of Americans said they don’t have goals.
2. DON’T forget to track your progress: While this goes hand-in-hand with writing down your goals. We’d be lying if we said this step hasn’t fallen through the cracks (once or twice). Making note of activities related to your goals helps track progress and keeps you accountable, should you fall off the beaten path.
3. DO stay positive: Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: “Every artist was first an amateur.” In other words, take it one step at a time. Looking to shed excess weight? Break it down into do-able, bite-sized pieces. Address poor eating habits before jumping headfirst into a rigorous workout regimen. Want to start your own business? Do your research and consult a variety of experts before taking out that business loan.
4. DON’T ever stop celebrating: Every step closer to your goal is a win. Celebrate your progress and keep going!
5. DO find an accountability partner: Whether it’s a workout buddy, business partner, or simply a social support system, surrounding yourself with goal-minded individuals is half the battle. It may even stir up a little healthy competition.
6. DON’T look at the best possible outcome: A friend once told me, that when it comes to chasing your dreams or reaching higher, if you can live with the “worst possible outcome, go for it.” On the other hand (not to be a dream killer), if you can’t, it may not be your passion and you may need to dig a little deeper.
7. DO try, try again: No one is perfect. Chances are you may experience a misstep or two (or three). Don’t let failure defeat you – or cause you to drop everything. The path to success is seldom a straight line.
Always remember: setting goals in the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. Happy new you, now!