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
Alex Shalman says
I love the fundamentals. 🙂
Brain Stroom says
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 😉
[email protected] says
Lovely!! Simple and neat … I like how you’ve presented the core of what makes anyone achieve anything 🙂
Thank you!
~ Tina
zmajeva says
Steps are fine! But if you miss the burning desire all the way- it’s not going to happen! 🙂
Steve-Personal Success Factors says
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.
Justin Popovic says
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!
Betsy Talbot says
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.”
Fresh says
I’m all about some EDUCATION.
Money Reasons says
Great list, this is what I should read every morning before I start my day!
Marc says
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.
😉
Farouk says
i like the organized approach of this post , you just covered all the needed steps for success 🙂
alternaview-Sibyl says
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.
Ryan says
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!
Himmat says
Hey nice tips man….cheers 🙂
Ibrahim | TwentiesLife.com says
I got lost in the picture. Awesome.
Meg at Demanding Joy says
Thanks! – this was a nice reminder that things don’t need to be so complicated. Just clear your mind and do it!
Nate says
Analysis paralysis, the hardest part is getting started. Another great post Marc!
Nea | Self Improvement Saga says
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.
Mark Powers says
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 . . .
The Dropout Kid says
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!
Noel says
These are great tips. I shall practice them in my daily life from now on. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Baker says
Excellent post. I find these points to be very informative and helpful. Start Now is probably my favoriate.
Yari says
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 🙂
Alexis Mullino says
Good list. Thank you, this will definitely help me out.