The Desire Must Thrive From The Action

Desire may be the answer but Action will get you there. As we are approaching the 2nd month of 2017, how are your resolutions going thus far? Out of everything you set out to accomplish, how many have you actually maintained? January 1st is such a critical day for so many because of the magical nature of the day. It is the beginning of a new year and the start of what will be a wildly successful time. Things will line up perfectly so that all of our financial, health, and personal desires will be met starting right now. For some, this has a painful yet familiar ring to it. So much potential and opportunity taking a back seat to the re-emergence of the rut from the every- day grind. Guess what? It is only February so you have time and the good news is that all is not lost. Maybe it has not worked out or perhaps after a few days, the new resolution became a quick thing of the past. The first thing you may want to consider is to change your approach and naming of the desire. Perhaps you should consider changing the name from a Resolution to a Goal.

Resolution to Goal

In all seriousness, how much time one spends deciding on what they want to add, change, or delete determines the mode they are operating. Resolutions are almost an after thought or a random list of things we wish to do starting on the 1st of January. It could be something you thought about at the last minute as something that might be nice to do. Unfortunately, the lack of planning and careful consideration greatly decreases the chances of success. As you sit here in early February, how much time have you spent on the resolution? Or, have you actually forgotten the resolution and it's intended benefit? Now is a good time to re-consider what it is that you want to do. This time, look at it from the lens of the steps you actually have to take to make it a reality. This has now turned into a Goal. There are many books on the subject with plenty of how to turn goals into reality. Today, I would like to share of the steps that I have found useful along the way in my own journey. This is not an exhaustive list as there are numerous ways to shape and mold a goal from it's inception to full maturity.

1. Write it Down: There is something real about seeing what you want to achieve written down in front of you. It has somehow gone from a fleeting thought to something serious and on your radar. By looking at what you have written, you have completed the first step of actually moving from a resolution to a goal.

2. Write It Down Every Day: I remember when I read this for the first time in Brian Tracy's book "Goals." Everyday? I remember asking myself. But, I gave it a try and discovered something very important. When I wrote it down everyday, it stayed in the forefront of my thoughts. I was much more inclined to take some sort of action to move me closer towards reaching a successful result. I have found this step to be extremely valuable in my own journey. This step brings additional power to the process.

3. Not A Sprint: Some of the goals we set are not going to be a one and done. They will take time, require a commitment, and stretch us past the level we are currently residing. Anything worth having is going to be worth working towards. However, we must take steps each day that push us towards that which we seek to attain. Slow down and enjoy the journey. You are doing something that is meaningful and will have a positive impact on your life moving forward.

4. Know Your Why: Knowing why you are doing something is a critical step towards achieving your goals. Rather than aimlessly moving around without a sense of direction, allow the strength of your inner self to determine why the goal is essential towards making forward progress. There will be moments when you might wonder if the work involved in reaching the goal is worth it any longer. Knowing why you chose to start the journey in the first place will center your focus towards why you should continue.

5. Prepare for the Obstacle: You are working towards something new and improved. It is not going to happen without resistance. Something will hold you back at some point. It may be an unexpected shift in circumstance, your inner voice, or someone else's opinion. This is a potentially dangerous step. Be ready for this stage for it has stopped many in their tracks. You do not have to let it do the same for you. Have a plan to overcome and most importantly, press forward towards your goal no matter what may arise. Life is going to happen yet you don't have to accept the outcome sitting down. Stand up and take decisive action towards hitting your goals.

 You want it so do it.  One of my favorite sayings is "Don't Talk About It, Be About It." It is one thing to desire something but in order to have it, you must take the necessary action to bring it to reality. Transition your resolution to becoming resolute towards reaching your goals. It does take Focus and it will require a clear understanding of a series set of steps. However, as you go thru the process, you will gain confidence and develop concrete ways to make the completion of your goals meaningful and sustainable.

It is January 29th. What does the rest of the year look like for you?