Well here we are one month into 2018. How’s it going are you still inspired and motivated?

A friend and I were Talking yesterday about how people generally seem to have big plans and big goals this year.

It looks like 2018 will be a transitional and transformative year.

So far so good.

Sometimes a great Idea or personal mission can fizzle in no time if you don’t know how to get started. That leads to paralysis where time goes by and nothing happens. Then the mission is eventually aborted. Leaving that awesome idea sitting on the launch pad gathering dust.

Not this year. Deal?

So, whether you want to retire and begin Life 2.0, start a business, break or out of a comfort zone or challenge yourself in some new way here are 7 steps to help make that happen.

BE CLEAR

It’s easy to want to do start something new or make changes without being clear about exactly what it is. Instead of thinking about what you want to do in a general way consider what it is, why you want to do this and what you are hoping to achieve. If you start thinking about it in a very concrete way you will be well on your way to getting started.

BREAK IT DOWN INTO STEPS

The first step in achieving anything meaningful is to simply begin and then take small steps daily. Brainstorm a list of very small steps. Once you start taking them next steps will become apparent. The secret is being committed to small steps daily. In fact, do the next step to immediately catapult you past Go.

DO 3 SMALL THINGS TODAY

Once you’ve got a list of small steps do three of them right now today. Do not put them off. Not next week, not tomorrow, do them today. It’s easy to seduce yourself into thinking you’ve taken the leap one you’ve listed the steps. But the only way to get started is to …begin. Pick three things off the list (tip – you can choose the easiest) and do them today. Once you’ve done that you’ll sleep well knowing you started today and in turn that feeling will help motivate you to keep motoring through the steps. You go girl!

TRUST THE RIGHT TIME IS NOW

The main reason why people don’t pursue their dreams is that they tell themselves it isn’t the right time. Maybe it’s not the right time of year or the right time in life or the right day. Timing related reasons can be endless and as humans we can continue to make them forever. So, forget the timing. Go. Jump. The timing will all work out. Recalculations and adjustments are easily made once in the process. The bonus is they can even lead to an outcome beyond anything you are currently imagining.

Additional reading – What’s right?

TALK ABOUT IT

I used to be a person who avoided talking about something until it was ready and (ideally) finished.  It was a superstition of mine but the problem with keeping everything bottled up inside is that you miss out on all the positives surrounding verbalizing an idea or goal. Talking about what you want to do is mentally paving the way to getting it done and making it real. You may think you’re leaving yourself open to expectations or criticism but you’re drawing positive energy to it. Start talking.

PERFECT KEEPS YOU STUCK

In the same vein as not wanting to tell people about something until it perfect, overthinking an idea or feeling like it needs to be perfect before you get started is a big roadblock. In my experience, ideas and goals evolve over time and unless you get started you won’t be able to enjoy that part of the process. Nothing is perfect. In fact, the most ‘imperfect’ ideas and steps often turn out to be magnificently brilliant. Take the pressure off.  Go with what you have today it is more than enough.

MAKE A VISION BOARD

So what’s a vision board? It’s a tool for manifestation. The first step in creating one is to be clear on what you want to do or accomplish (see above). Then the fun begins and it’s an exercise in creativity.

Make your vision board

TRACK WITH A FRIEND

When we set goals with someone we have an instant accountability partner to check in with, be accountable to and share the ups and downs with. It can make working towards goal a much more enjoyable and inspiring process

STAY INSPIRED

If you try any of these tips let me know how they work for you. I’m incorporating all of them into my life this year. I’ve got a really good feeling about 2018. As well as achieving personal goals I hope that collectively we can make it a year of hope, inclusion and joy.

The post How to stay motivated and make it happen this year appeared first on Red Shoe Zone.