5 Gentle Steps to Fulfilling Your Goals

The New Year Resolution Reality. After some casual digging on a Sunday afternoon, I discovered that only 40-45% of adults make resolutions each year. After one week, 75% of those people still have faith that they will make it through the next 51 weeks. However, this also means that 25%, sadly, convinced themselves that their goal was so not worth their time and effort. I am hesitant to admit that I have been one of those twenty-five percent for – oh – the past two decades or more. Oh well, “better luck next year”, I used to say. The thrill of resolution making, for me, had been conjuring up the really great goal – which was enough work in itself. Reaching that goal had always been thought of as ‘almost’ impossible. After all, this is a classic case of man versus himself, and we are either the worst people to go head-to-head with or the best. Fact remains, we are always thinking about what is best for us, and will work tirelessly with the All Mighty Conscience to justify all our decisions… even if it means bowing out of a poorly thought-out choice. Yet, there are some wonderfully strong-willed people whom have gone toe-to-toe with the beast and seen personal success -- for 46% percent of January’s go-getters will still be dedicated to their goals after a whole six months! That’s both impressive and promising. So how do we make sure that we are among the forty-sixth percentile? 1. “You will become what you think about.” I’d like to say to set ‘realistic’ goals; however, your and my idea of a realistic goal could vary to a degree. Aiming for something a little more believable for you to achieve is okay; however, low-balling yourself in the process is not. If what you truly want is good enough for you to wish and dream about, then I would think it warrants the effort of manifesting, don’t you think? 2. Pre-plan your goal, and preferably not in the final hours before switching to a new calendar. Think it through. Think of everything that this goal entails – the pros and the cons. How will you handle yourself when you face a challenge – like, say, your negative days? How will you pick yourself up and keep going? Do you have support from someone else? Don’t let the possible obstacles stop you from achieving your goal; instead prepare yourself ahead of time with how you will handle them. 3. Write down your goal with all the bells and whistles. Write it in as much detail as your mind can conjure up. Hey, you are the one that has been dreaming of this very moment – you know better than anyone else what that looks and feels like. So write it down! Journalize affirmations such as “I deserve and am ready to receive…” or “I am so very grateful now that I…” You fill in the blanks. 4. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Baby steps, my friend, baby steps. If your goal is to shed twenty pounds in twelve months, then break it down into something less overwhelming. Focus on losing five pounds. Then the next five pounds and so on. The overall long-term goal doesn’t change just because you chose to reach it in increments. 5. Be kind to yourself. Cut yourself some slack by allowing a little leeway. Should you cave one day and have the piece of chocolate you vowed January 1st to not have, know that this isn’t considered a condemnable breach of contract. A little slip isn’t a reason to say “better luck next year” and abort your mission. ;) Consider it part of the accepting, learning, growing, and manifesting process! rnAs we embark on a brand new year of fresh ideas, big dreams, and glorious goals, I wish you all the very best with realizing your personal and business aspirations, as well as kindness to yourselves in the process. Smiles and Shine, Tina Vanderbylrnhttp://ManifestingYourDreamLife.com