On the Road to "Sticking to It"

We all have the desire to accomplish goals that we have imagined or set for ourselves. Some of us have already started the journey to achieve those goals. We can see ourselves doing whatever it takes to get to the finish line, but sometimes the steps on how to accomplish those goals can be murky and, in turn, cause us to lose the desire to move forward. I have, in my mind, put together an entire scenario about the things I want to accomplish, but often, when I sit down to organize the details of how to get there, I have become overwhelmed and intimidated by what to do next, the length of time it would take to reach those goals and how much help I may need to get there. Unfortunately, this is what stops of a lot of us from moving forward to our goals in life.

We all have different talents and tolerance levels when it comes to staying focused on knowing how to go for our dreams. It isn’t always easy for many reasons, but you have the ability to do whatever you seek. It takes determination and drive and those are the two points we need to learn to improve if we are to see our dreams all the way through. Sometimes it does take trial and error, but we must stick to it. Even if our goals change, the tools we need to use to reach them don’t. But whatever the struggles may be, don’t give up! Even if it seems like a hopeless journey, even if everyone around you shows negative energy towards what you are trying to accomplish, even when you seem tired and that your hard work is flat lining…. Stick to it!!

1. Purchase a mini recorder: When I am driving or in the grocery store, I can come up with the best ideas, but by the time I get home, not only do I not remember the brilliant idea I had, I don’t even remember the thought process of my brilliant ideas!! We’ll chalk that up to old age!  So, one of my Twitter friends suggested that I purchase a mini recorder and keep it on my person at all times. So, no matter what small or major thoughts I come up with, I just press a button and instantly memorialize those thoughts! Once I get to a computer or pad of paper, I can type it out or jot it down, so I can begin to organize my thoughts.

2. Organize your thoughts in an outline: Only you know what steps and levels you would like to take to accomplish your goals. It is usually easier to focus when your thoughts are lined up in a neat and orderly fashion. Depending on what it is you are trying to achieve, if it is outlined on paper (or computer screen), it is easier to understand and follow. Outlining gives you a check list of what needs to be done and in what order to reach your goals. Outlining gives you a visual of where you are and what else you need to do.

3. Follow Through – You may get discouraged when you hit a snag in your plans, such as you might not be able to make the right connections as quickly as you would like, cannot afford schooling or whatever other obstacle requires finances, the time frame in which to complete the task is becoming a hindrance. All of these impeding factors could easily contribute to you giving up on your goals, but I cannot say it any easier than, DO NOT LET IT!

4. Planning and Re-thinking – As the old saying goes, “there is more than one way to skin a cat”. Sometimes it takes planning and re-thinking to make things turn out to your benefit. Times change, things change. What may have been helpful last month may not be the tool that helps you through the next month. So, while over thinking can be hurtful, planning and re-thinking may rejuvenate the process to completing your goal. If you keep doing the same thing and see no signs of improvement or progress, you may want to re-think your process. For instance, if you cannot seem to save enough from your paycheck to pay for a course you may need to finish a degree or certificate you may be seeking, don’t let the fact that you can’t save enough stop you from taking that course. Find another way; re-think other ideas on how to finance your education, perhaps, plan to get a second job, look into financial aid, etc. The point is do not let an obstacle keep you from moving forward, but instead, find a way to get over that obstacle by re-planning and re-thinking the steps to achieving your goals.

5. Network – These days it is so easy to keep in touch with like-minded people, people who can help guide you in the right directions, people who can help open doors for you, people who will just be in your corner rooting you on to success. It is so important to remember that we need other people in our lives whether we want them there or not. Just remember that not everyone has your best interest at heart so be careful in choosing those that you share certain levels of information with, without shutting out the people that would be conducive to your achievement. There are so many ways to network these days. The computer age has given us so many avenues in which to communicate with like-minded people. If you are not as computer savvy as you wish to be, but have the desire to learn, email me and I will give you the name of someone who could help you in that department. Just remember that there is someone out there willing and waiting patiently to assist you in achieving your goals, but you must remember, first and foremost to STICK TO IT!