Have you ever sat with an older person? Maybe a parent or a
friend. They usually have incredible words of wisdom and
some darn good advice. Pearls of wisdom like "don't let
fear stop you" or "life's too short --- do what you enjoy".
It is simple advice but, sadly, it only comes to most of
us with age....

I know the feeling of being stuck and wanting more in my
life -- but not knowing which direction to go in or how to
begin. "To begin" is usually the most difficult part of
changing something or getting something we want.

I consider myself a serious, practical person who tends to
avoid risk. When I stutter step on taking action on things,
I'm reminded about that old adage: "When you're on your
deathbed.... ..." will you wish you had taken more chances,
been more selective about things in your life? Why do I
stand in the background, and "wish" and "hope" that certain
things in my life will miraculously be different "next
year"?

Well, the truth is there are two critical steps to
achieving what you want:

1. Knowing what you 'really' want, and...

2. Having a plan for consistent action toward your goals.

Without these two components, your life may well be the
same next year. The fact is most people never allow
themselves to dream or change their life. People very
rarely write down their goals (a strong indicator of
actually achieving them), which often means they are lost
forever. What a loss!

I sometimes post pictures of things I'd like to achieve.
They remind me to spend more time in my garden...to go
places I've never been...to take more risks, both
personally and professionally. Each year is a new
adventure! But my dreams and goals don't "just happen" by
themselves. Each year I list my dreams, and decide if they
are in keeping with my personal mission and goals for my
life. I write them down and methodically put them into
action.

Another way I motivate myself and keep my goals top of mind
is to post them on 3 x 5 index cards around my home. Yes,
one on the bathroom mirror, one on the office wall and, of
course, one on the refrigerator. This lists top goals. It
does not list the "to do" aspect of achieving them. It has
the effect of motivating me -- and it works for me.

If you are stuck and wondering what the next step should
be, grab a pencil and paper and answer some questions such
as these:

* What dream have you tucked away?

* What is keeping you from taking life by storm?

* Do you live for everyone else, thinking, "My time will
come later?"

* Are you longing for something in your life but don't
know what that something is? Are you afraid to name it?

* Do you wish your life was different but every year it is
the "same old thing"?

* What is different about your life today from last year?

* Are you happy with your decisions and the things you
have in your life?

Once you have some answers to the above questions do a
"brain dumping" of all your goals into these general
categories, try to have a minimum of 10 items:

1. Personal Development

2. Career Development

3. Fun and Adventure

4. Giving back to the community or world at large

Now comes the hard part! Choose just one top goal for each
of the categories and focus on it. Put a "to do" action
list below each top goal. Put a timeline next to your goals
because, as Tony Robbins says, "Goals are dreams with a
timeline"!

Putting your goals and dreams down on paper will make them
more alive and top of mind as you progress through your
everyday life. However, nothing can take the place of
consistent action and persistence in accomplishing your
goals. So ask yourself how you can move yourself closer to
your goals. Even one simple action each day -- a phone call
or conversation -- can move you toward your dream despite
of the hectic life you might be living.

One thing is certain, if you do nothing your life may be
the same next year.

"Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start
where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have
at your command, and better tools will be found as you go
along." -- Napoleon Hill, Writer

About the Author:

Mary Logan is a personal coach specializing in helping her
clients dream bigger about who they are. Mary provides a
dynamic coaching program for goal setting.which you can
view by going to
http://spectrumsolutionscoac.homestead.com/Grablife.html
Her website is at http://www.coachingbymary.com