7 Actionable Moves to Reach Your Next Goal

Goal setting - You got this!

Reaching a goal is never easy, but it begins with believing in it and that it will improve your life. Of course, some goals may take a long time, even a lifetime, but no matter the size of the goal, the process is often the same. It begins with a plan and unwavering commitment.

My Marathon Progress

My latest athletic goal is to run the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 20th. I have the date of the big day in mind every day, and I have my schedule right here next to my computer. I can’t miss it and after each run, I circle the day. Seeing me gaining on my goal daily brings excitement and encouragement, especially as I have now finished the halfway mark of training. I have many sources of motivation and accountability, as my family often inquires about and encourages my progress. I recognize there will be bumps in the road, literally and figuratively, but I use experience to persevere. Somedays, I feel I can run much more than the schedule calls for, but adhering to it is critical for reaching the end - there is a method to the madness. Before the big run training days, I prepare as if it is the marathon itself because failing to do so can lead to a setback I cannot afford. Eating, hydrating, and cross-training when needed are the keys to advancement and the confidence to do it on race day. Finally, I know how important it is to stay active with other things so I do not get burned out with too much focus on running. The mind and body must refresh to be ready for the next time.

Actionable Moves to Save Time, Energy, and Win

1.     Specificity. It’s vital to have a well-defined goal. Beginning without knowing precisely what you want to achieve will lead to failure, or at the least, time waste. Write your goal down and review it daily.

2.     An accountability timetable. Having a daily plan that is detailed to the minute helps you reach the goal within the necessary time frame. Hang a calendar with a start and end date circled.

3.     Create a perfect environment. Perfect may be unreasonable, but surrounding yourself with helpers rather than negativity will prove fruitful. The willingness to accept input from others may be the difference maker. Make a list of those who might be of assistance.

4.     Naivety avoidance. Knowing adversity will come is critical, so defining the evident and potential obstacles from the start will help. First, list the known or expected drawbacks and a plan for overcoming them.

5.     Tackle the most significant problems first. Saving the hardest things for later is often counterproductive because your energy and confidence will usually be highest at the outset. Formulate a solid team to address issues the second you encounter a block in the road.

6.     Patience. Although one wants to go, go, go, it is often wise to slow things down and get it right. Reaching outside one’s ability may hinder the outcome. Detail and adhere to the little things because getting away from the basics costs you later.  

7.     Have a method to unwind. Although it may be impossible to put a prominent challenge out of your mind, getting away from it for a spell can help your perspective to see what’s needed. Do things you enjoy that take you away physically and mentally from your big goal grind.  

Finally, remember that inexperience is understandable, but bad decision-making from a lack of planning is inexcusable.”

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