Every year for as long as I can remember I’ve made a big list of goals. They range anywhere from get in shape to go to bed earlier to get more organized.
But that’s not just a big list of goals. Those are also BIG goals.
But for years, I’d end the year in the exact same place as I started.
For anyone who’s actually tried to get in shape, you know that reducing fat and gaining muscle mean eating a healthy breakfast, limiting sugary snacks, finding an exercise partner, and preparing less processed foods just to name a few.
For anyone who’s tried to go to bed earlier, you know that means setting an alarm to tell you it’s time to get ready. It means turning off mindless TV and starting a routine that triggers your body that it’s time for bed.
For anyone who’s tried to get organized, you know that means a lot more than just buying a bunch of boxes and folders!
And those are just three examples.
Goal setting can be a full-time job—because when we talk about what we really want we’re talking about all the little steps it takes to get there.
Big goals are great to have, but if you want to be successful, you’re going to have to be very, very specific about what you want. Every big goal is really just the sum of lots of little goals.
And that’s what today’s post is all about.
Just last week, I was having my monthly check-in with one of my accountability partners. Every week, she sends me an update on what she’s been working on. Her list was a mile long, and I was feeling like a real loser, but then she said something that took me by surprise….
“You're on a roll. Look how much you've done. Give yourself a hand. It's wonderful to see the momentum.”
I was feeling down because I felt so far away from my really big goals, but she was looking at all the small things I had done on my way to what I really want. “Look how much you’ve done. Give yourself a hand. It’s wonderful to see the momentum.”
When I looked at my list, I realized I actually had accomplished a lot this month. What seemed like lots of little things were little, but vital and important, and guess what? I had done them. I want to cheer you on as you work towards your really big goals.
Let’s start with a question.
Do you know what you want?
Now, let’s break it down:
What are the things that energize you?
That give you life?
That make you feel strong?
What are you working on right now?
What are your biggest needs?
Is there a skill you need to perfect in order to take your business or family to the next level?
Now make a list of the very specific goals you have.
It may sound like a glorified to-do list. If that helps you get the job done, then by all means think of it as your to-do list. But unlike your normal to-do list, you are NOT allowed to procrastinate.
You are getting ready to make your BIG dreams come true!
When I talk to people about the life they crave, they all tell me they don’t want to be different. They don’t even necessarily want more. They just want to be better versions of themselves.
If that’s you, start by being very specific about what you want. No step taken in the direction of your dreams is ever wasted.
Ready to take it to the next level?