Last week I mentioned the idea of grit - how we need to have perseverance and passion in order to accomplish our goals. But before we are to engage in a dreamlike state of achieving that which we are afraid to do, we must first have A PLAN.
When you have a plan of action, you have a greater chance of accomplishing your goals. Your plan does not have to be extremely detailed, but it must have a general flow that you can follow and twitch if needed.
For example, making this blog for me was a goal that I wanted to achieve. The beginning was the hardest, because I wasn't used to writing this much. When I first started, I made the commitment of writing a short post everyday (during the months of June and July). This was the most difficult time, because I was building a new habit and I needed a lot of practice. Afterwards, after I got the hand of it, I adjusted my days and created themes I would talk about in each post.
Whatever your goal is, remember these steps:
1) Find your goal. These are for short or long term goals.
2) Take a piece of paper and actually write down the steps and equipment needed to achieve your goal. How are you going to reach your goals? Do you need to travel? Do you need to study? Are you working on a project? Do you need materials?
3) Create a timeline of action depending on your project/deadline needed. You want to always have deadlines for the short and long term goals. When you have a deadline, you have a greater incentive to get it done. A week? A month? A year?
4) Commit to your schedule. Sign a contract with yourself or a friend. Know what you are getting yourself into. Don't feel disappointed if you fail - simply take it up again and keep working. You must decide to make this commitment.
5) Enjoy it. When you decide to do something new and different, you are going to feel stressed out and vulnerable. Don't let that take the joy away from what you are creating. Take the time to admire your invention (whether it is something physical or mental), and feel good about what you have accomplished.
6) Have the grit to persevere and make it happen. Find a friend to encourage you. Watch videos. Read books. Learn to create your own motivation, and you will have the only tool required to keep going.
I hope you guys have a great week, and that you have found this information useful. Many blessings to all!
Be brave, be unique, and step outside of your comfort zone!