post written by: Marc
8 Simple Steps for Achieving Anything
What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.
- JW von Goethe
Yes, your goals are within reach. In fact, achieving them is a simple process. It just requires commitment and action on your behalf.
- Set your sights on a clear goal – What is it specifically that you want to achieve? Write it down if you have to.
- Focus on one thing at a time and pick the next logical task – Ask yourself, “What can I do right now that will bring me one step closer to my desired goal?”
- Educate yourself – What knowledge and skills are required to complete the task you chose in step #2? Keep it simple. Everything else can be learned along the way.
- Start now – Why haven’t you started? START!!!
- Say “NO” to distractions – Is the phone ringing? Door knocking? Dog barking? Unless the house is burning to the ground, IGNORE IT ALL!!!
- Review and adjust – Are you making progress? If yes, see the next step. If not, why not? Are there any small adjustments you need to make?
- Press on until the task is complete – Revisit steps #5 and #6 as required.
- Repeat – Once the task you chose in step #2 is complete, it’s time to repeat all the steps for the next logical task. Revisit your goal in step #1 so it’s fresh in your mind, choose the next logical task, educate yourself as necessary, etc.
Note: For complex, long-term goals, I tackle one simple task every day. Nothing more, nothing less.
Also, I highly recommend these best selling productivity books:
- Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
- Focal Point: A Proven System to Simplify Your Life, Double Your Productivity, and Achieve All Your Goals
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Photo by: Zach Ancell
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24 Comments
March 1st, 2010 at 7:36 am
I love the fundamentals.
March 1st, 2010 at 7:46 am
thx, totally agree with ur above short & direct list, i found that working on # 1 & 5 & 7 is extremely useful and maybe where people constantly not successes in.
best luck
March 1st, 2010 at 8:15 am
Lovely!! Simple and neat … I like how you’ve presented the core of what makes anyone achieve anything
Thank you!
~ Tina
March 1st, 2010 at 10:39 am
Steps are fine! But if you miss the burning desire all the way- it’s not going to happen!
March 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
It’s great to keep things as simple as possible while working on goals. Also, I have found it helpful to limit the number of goals I am working on, so that I don’t get too scattered. That’s why I’m in favor of just working on one thing daily that will get me closer to accomplishing the big picture goal.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Some great tips here!
I am always working on way more than one goal at any given time. My problem sometimes comes when I need to focus. Because I am so ambitious, I have so many goals I want to achieve, how do I ensure I give enough energy to each?
What has been working best for me is this… 1 goal at a time per life category. For example, 1 goal for business, 1 goal for personal finances, 1 goal for health/fitness and 1 goal for my family life.
It lets me have goals in all areas of life without getting too bogged down. I do like your 8 steps though…it helps with the whole focus side of it!
March 1st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
My favorites are “start now” and “focus on the next step.” We spend so much time worrying about the potential speedbump 10 miles down the road that we often never even start the car for the trip.
My favorite motto: “Done is better than perfect.”
March 1st, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I’m all about some EDUCATION.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Great list, this is what I should read every morning before I start my day!
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:24 am
Thanks for the added insight and kind remarks, everyone.
This is my personal step-by-step game plan for tackling goals. When I stay dedicated to the cause, it works every time.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:26 am
i like the organized approach of this post , you just covered all the needed steps for success
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:39 am
Sometimes it really is about breaking things down and keeping them simple. We can sometimes allow things we are trying to accomplish seem much bigger than they are, but when you think about it and put it in perspective, it often comes down to taking certain steps. I thought your list of 8 was very helpful.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I like the simple list. I think distractions are the hardest part for me. There are always so many options and so many things fighting for your time. Staying focused is hard but rewarding.
Mind if I add this to my blog carnival (obsessedanalytic.com/carnival/)? Eventually I hope to get a lot of submissions, but since it’s new I’m doing the work by going around and finding the best time saving blogs.
Thanks!
March 4th, 2010 at 6:21 am
Hey nice tips man….cheers
March 4th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
I got lost in the picture. Awesome.
March 4th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Thanks! - this was a nice reminder that things don’t need to be so complicated. Just clear your mind and do it!
March 4th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Analysis paralysis, the hardest part is getting started. Another great post Marc!
March 6th, 2010 at 12:01 am
I love the quote at the beginning, which is in alignment with step 4…. get started. Its amazing how often we want something, yet never bring ourselves to take that first leap.
March 7th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Succinct and valuable. Thanks, Marc!
Focusing on that “one thing” is SO important. Now, if I can just say ‘no’ to the [welcome] distraction of your blog, and get to that one thing . . .
March 9th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Action is the best cure for fear. All you have to do is act and your desires are ours. Fear is the reason mankind has not evolved beyond it perceived weak and feeble minded agendas. Remove fear and you remove all obstacles which keep you from your own personal nirvana. Don’t you wonder why Hippies, where the most loved? The feared nothing, carefree and peace. What government system want people who wont follow their rules…UMMMM
Great post!
March 10th, 2010 at 7:49 am
These are great tips. I shall practice them in my daily life from now on. Thanks for sharing!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:44 am
Excellent post. I find these points to be very informative and helpful. Start Now is probably my favoriate.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
This is a great list of steps. The one I probably have to focus on the most is Start NOW. Sometimes over-thinking things can just be a deterrent and it’s best to get the ball rolling even if you have to make adjustments along the way. Also agree with “zmajeva”, drive behind all these steps is extremely important. Thanks Marc and Angel
March 29th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Good list. Thank you, this will definitely help me out.
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