Success Goals - One Small Step at a Time

The best way to achieve goal success is to break them down into measurable steps and the best way to achieve those steps is one at a time.

Many huge achievements take months or years of commitment and focus before they happen.  Take Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, he didn't just think “Well, I might take a walk on the moon next week”.  It took years of education; practice; knowledge, commitment and focus before he was even able to board a spacecraft, let alone walk on the moon.  The point is everyone finds it difficult to stay focused on a goal and most of us expect results far too soon.  The topsy-turvy world of self-motivation and wanting everything yesterday is evident everywhere.   

Realistic expectations and a positive attitude, combined with small action steps can make your goals more achievable.  How? You must first know and understand your goal.

Begin with one specific goal, and write it down often. It doesn’t have to be anything major; start with something simple. Put this goal in places where you will see it often. This is your first step to focusing on your commitment.  Then, break it down into small steps. 

For example: Let’s say you want to eat more healthily and begin an exercise program. Your goal is to lose 20 pounds, and be able to run two miles a day.  It’s August; you indicate a target date of February. Write it down: 20 pounds; two miles a day; February.  Focus daily on these words. Next, break it down into even smaller steps.  Cut out the processed food for natural home cooked meals; and begin running 10 minutes a day.  If in the first week, you begin to see results – your confidence will build; and you will become even more motivated to continue. 

Keep a journal. In one half of the book record your progress; in the second half of the book record the amount of running time you’ve achieved. You may not believe it, but when you write about yourself, you tend not to lie about it. 

Read your journal often. Use a red pen to write your health and exercise achievements. Even if you go off track now and then, don’t worry about it. You’re not perfect; and you don’t need that kind of pressure. Just keep going. You’re allowed a mistake every once in a while.

Finally, never give up - with each step your confidence will grow and you will get closer to your goal.  Stay focused and keep moving forward one step at a time. Reward yourself every now and then.  You deserve it! Don’t think about the end result, enjoy the journey.  If Neil Armstrong can walk on the moon then you can accomplish anything you set out to do.