It has been said that those who do not have a vision for their future will eventually return to their past. I know how scary it can be to dream big. When we have big dreams, trying to find out where to start can be so overwhelming and intimidating that we may choose to not even start at all.
This is actually the natural reaction as it is human nature to seek the path of least resistance.
However, there is a key to unlock the secrets of not only starting to work towards your dreams but also to actually finishing what you start.
The secret is to have goals!
I cannot stress how necessary it is to have goals. In my years of researching successful people and success principles, I have notice several common denominators and one of those is that every successful person has goals that are written down.
I know you’re probably thinking, “So all I need to do to start birthing my vision is to have some goals?”
In a nutshell is yes, but you have to know how to make your goals work for you so that you actually achieve your goals.
The first thing is that you have to take the time to think about what it is that you want and get specific about it. If you want financial increase, then I suggest that you get specific on the exact number that you want. A financial increase can mean $5 more on your paycheck if you are not specific, so I want you to start getting specific about what you want to achieve. Remember that vague goals produce vague results.
After you have taken the time to think about it, I want you to set your goals for the month of June. Today is the top of the month and I HIGHLY suggest that you set your goals for this month. Ask yourself what you will achieve this month towards the specific vision that you have and write them down with a pen and paper. I believe there is power when we actually write something down as opposed to typing it on a device.
When writing your goals, make sure that you begin each statement with the words “I will.” One of my goals for the month is “I will work out five times a week every week this month.” Using “I will” gives it power and makes it a declarative statement instead of some sort of wish list. I could have written “Get in shape” but how can I measure that? Goals help us measure our progress so that is why I stress that your goals be both specific and measurable.
Once you have written your goals for the month, I want you to think of all the resources that you have access to help you achieve your goals and make your plans to pursue those resources. If your goal for the month is to lose 5 lbs then maybe you can set up a few sessions with your colleague who is also a personal trainer. If your goal is to find a new job, then maybe you can set up a meeting with someone in your network who can help you.
Make sure that every week you are working towards your goals by writing down your action steps for the week which is what you will do this week to help you achieve your goals. I suggest writing down your action steps every Sunday because it is the top of the week and you can enter your week prepared.
Finally, every morning that you wake up read and declare your goals out loud and thank God in advance for doing what you cannot do. Be grateful for every step that you take forward, I don’t care how small or how large it is because it is one step closer to realizing your dreams.
I pray that this could be a blessing to you and I am deliberately sending this today because it’s the first of the month and although that usually means bills, bills and more bills you have the power to switch your thinking and live in anticipation for what this month will hold for you – it’s time to live on purpose and with intention!
XOXO,
Maria I. Melendez
@embraceherlegacy
