Mission Accomplished

Drop a dress size, remodel the kitchen, start your own business... We all have our own unique goals that, while worthwhile, packed schedules and unpredictable willpower can turn them into little more than a fleeting dream.  We might start off with a bang, an adrenaline fueled sprint to what we see is the finish line...until things get in the way.  Soon it becomes "Goal?  What goal?"

Sound familiar?
Striving toward a goal, particularly a meaningful one, is among the most effective ways to feel fulfilled.  Honest.  When goals are properly thought out, they get us where we want to be in both our personal and professional lives.  When you know exactly what your goals look like and what to do to get it, it's less likely to get lost in the day-to-day shuffle. 

Where to start?  Right here. 

1.  Choose a goal.
This sounds simple but it can be a surprisingly complex process.  

• Zero in on something specific and measurable.  Ask yourself, “What is it I am trying to achieve?” and “How will I know when I am there?”
• Make it just hard enough.  The more challenging the goal, the more likely you are to progress toward it.  
• Consider range goals.  Instead of vowing to lose ten pounds, instead aim for five to ten pounds.  You will be motivated by pieces easily achieved to go the rest of the way to the higher, loftier goal. 
• Make sure the goal is within your control.  Beware of goals that depend on others to be met.  We often misplace some of our responsibility for our goals onto our spouse or coworkers.  
• Review your skills.  Once you have a firm, measurable goal, ask yourself if there is any knowledge or skill needed to increase your odds of success.  If so, the learning might need to be the goal instead.  

2.  Master the logistics. 

• Break down the goal into manageable pieces.  These sub-goals should be small enough to tackle in a single day.  Achieving these in-between milestones will help you stay on track until you reach your goal and provide some accountability to yourself. 
• Create a detailed agenda.  This is where the rubber meets the road.  Basically, make a to-do list for meeting your goal.  The more specific the better; you can always revise along the way.  People who make detailed plans in advance are more likely to achieve their goals. 

3.  Stay motivated.
Distractions and dips in drive or energy can curtail even the best laid plans.

• Check in frequently.  Even the most confident resolution can crumble.  To prevent this, touch base with those involved in what you are doing.  Take care to listen to both the compliments and the criticism, as both have value.  Positive feedback may reinforce your commitment, but negative feedback will prompt you to devote more energy to working through the problems.  
• Plant daily reminders.  Dedicating yourself to a goal is an ongoing process, so it is essential to remind yourself of your commitment.  Be creative.  
• Spread the word.  While most of your motivation should come from within, a little external push can be particularly effective.  Let close friends and family in on your aspirations.  
• Learn from your mistakes.  We all fall short on the road to success.  You may revert to old habits and the key is to recognize such times and ask yourself, "What did I learn from that?" or "How can I prevent that from happening again?"
• Celebrate victories large and small.  When you do meet your goal, or an important sub-goal, use that as reason to celebrate how far you have come.  Rewards motivate you to keep going, and they give you an opportunity to reflect on your hard work. Remind yourself of why you are pursuing the goal in the first place.  
• Reassess if necessary.  If none of these tactics help you sustain your commitment, it is worth considering a revision.  Goals, after all, don't need to be set in stone.  What you learn in pursuing them can sometimes inspire you to shift or refocus your vision.