7 Tips for Achieving Your Goals with a Smile!

1) Change your perspective of Procrastination-Keep it positive!
We tend to view procrastination as a negative personality trait. What if we look at procrastination as a positive thing? Confused? It’s simple, there are reasons we procrastinate. Are some of those factors based on valid concerns? Plus, when we change our perspective we will feel better about ourselves. So, let’s look at procrastination in a positive light and call it a gift of time. Now, that’s really looking at it differently. However, if used wisely, provides the needed time for us to gather our thoughts, plan strategic steps and move towards reach9ing our goals. If we are tired, we can use the time to rest and get rejuvenated. We will then be able to put our best effort into accomplishing the tasks at hand. In addition, if you are unsure and lack information, this gift of time can be used for research and collaboration with others. Don’t let procrastination be a waste of your time. Use it as time to gain clarity before you ACT! See the value in this GIFT of time!

2) Understanding your “WHY” can be a GREAT motivator.
Every good coach will emphasis the importance of setting SMART GOALS (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-bound). However, you can be as “SMART” as you like, but that doesn’t make what you are doing inspiring! I encourage you to look deeply in to “WHY” you have set your goal. Take time to answer these questions: Why is it important for me to accomplish this goal? What will happen if I don’t reach my goal? How will I feel if I don’t reach it? Who will it impact? Then, take time to identify the possible outcomes. “What are the benefits to you?” “How will your life be different when this goal is met?” Finally, with your strong “why” clearly in your mind, you will be armed with motivation. This motivation will help sustain you when the going gets tough.

3) Start.
Everything has to have a beginning and everyone has an idea. Whether they do anything with it or not, everyone can tell you about an idea and what they want to do. People can easily fill up their days with endless activities. Don’t let this be you. Make sure your activities are connected to your ultimate goal. Are you getting what you really want done? Too often, we put what others want before ourselves. We allow ourselves to become distracted with the busyness of living. We find ourselves putting great effort in helping others attain their goals. This leaves our ideas, hopes and dreams on hold until we get around to it. Is that what your want? Or, do you want to refocus and start prioritizing the use of your time. Are you able to enlist others to help you? Are you avoiding some key matters simply because they may be challenging. If so, how do you expect to move forward? How can you resolve the challenging issue? Who can help you accomplish your goals? Who will be your accountability partner? It will take organization and discipline on your part but you can do it. You don’t have to be perfect but you DO have to start. Start your day with a plan. I suggest that every morning, before you begin anything, take a few moments to plan your activities. Then, prioritize them, listing the most important matters first. As you work through your list, celebrate each item that you are able to check off. You will be amazed at how much more you are able to do by adhering to your simple activity planner.

4) Pace yourself, be persistent and consistent.
Stay positive and pay attention to what you are doing. Rushing often causes needless mistakes and you may spend twice as much time correcting issues that were a result of your rushing. Let’s not forget to mention that there may also be financial lost associated your rushing. So, value your time and your finances. Here a few possible disadvantages of rushing: inferior construction or quality, mistakes may not be seen until the final stage, you are stressed and cannot enjoy the process, and you can become emotionally and physically exhausted. The upside to pacing yourself may be: You retain your focus on the process, you take pride in the careful construction which produces a superior product. Also, you can take pride in having fewer mistakes to correct. When you pace yourself, you can stay in the race longer and enjoy yourself.

5) Have confidence in yourself!
There will be challenges and things will not always go the way you expect it too. Setbacks are unavoidable. All your faith to be greater than you FEARS. Your determination and perseverance will see you through. You must believe that you are able to achieve what you started. If you don’t believe you can achieve you won’t. However, it is important to evaluate your plans regularly. You must know when changing circumstances prohibits the continuance of a once viable goal. You must know when to let it go. For example, you have a product that the market will only pay $40 for it and you cannot produced it for less than $62. You have exhausted every avenue and cannot see any way to produce it for less than $40. LET IT GO! Put it aside, perhaps, until things change. Who knows, it may not be the right time. Beware and know when you need to change direction.

6) Time is a commodity that you cannot buy.
Use your time wisely as it is a precious and limited resource. In order to live a balance life, time management is essential. Goal achievement without balance may leave you irritable and exhausted and with little joy in your accomplishment. It is essential that you take care of your mind, body and soul. Start by creating healthy eating habits for yourself, incorporating more physical activities in your day. Effective time management allows you to achieve what matters most and also help you make space to enjoy life.

7) Just DO IT!
Your goal attainment does not always come easily. You may have to ask yourself, “How bad do you want it?” This answer will be what is needed during those hard times. If you desire it bad enough, you will be motivated to forge ahead and keep trying. And remember, you may occasionally need to ask for help. That normal, you do not have all of the skills and information for everything. Enlist others to help, outsource smaller jobs and spend your time on things that only you can do to reach your goals. Don’t be afraid of learning new skills. Don’t make any excuses but eagerly look for solutions. Then, JUST DO IT!