10-step process to challenge yourself, grow, achieve any goal and be happy
There is no happiness in life without progress and there is no progress without challenging yourself and do things we’ve never done before. Setting goals and achieving them is an essential part of life. I encourage you to challenge yourself and achieve things that you’ve never thought possible.
To help you achieve your goals I’ve created a 10-step process that will help you achieve anything you want.
1. Set a goal
The first step is to set your goal. Remember to use S.M.A.R.T. formula which means that your goal needs to be specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused and time-bound. Aim for something that you’ve never done before and that will stretch your abilities.
2. Learn
Knowledge is one of the key elements to succeed. Make sure you gather all the necessary knowledge in the subject of your goal. Reach people that are experts in the subject or people that have already achieved what you’re aiming to achieve. Read books.
3. Create a plan
I know that plans are never perfect and most things never go according to plan but you need a step by step guide that will take you from point A to B. The plan that will tell you what you need to do every day to take you a little bit closer to your goal.
4. Take action on your plan
Take massive action on your plan. Become an unstoppable machine and overcome any obstacle on your way to your goal. Be strong. Make sure that at the end of the day you can look in the mirror and say “I’m not there yet but I’m one step closer”.
5. Enjoy the journey
It is not only about achieving your goal. It is also about the journey. Make sure that, although it may be difficult sometimes, you’re enjoying the process and making a progress makes you happier.
6. Focus - one thing at a time
If your goal seems too big, focus on your next milestone. Follow your plan and do one thing at a time - don’t try multitasking. Don’t try to cut corners or find an easy way. There are no shortcuts to success. Your progress might seem slow but as long as you’re making it that is all that matters.
7. Constantly adjust your plan
It may turn out that you’re progressing faster or slower than you’ve anticipated. Then you need to adjust your plan to better suit your abilities and lifestyle.
8. Commit yourself and be disciplined
If you want to achieve anything in life you must commit yourself and be disciplined. If it means that you need to wake up early or stay at home and do some work instead of going out with your friends, so be it. Remember that your goal is the most important thing now and you are in control. Don’t allow weakness to creep in and slow you down or even jeopardise your goal.
9. Measure your progress
You need a motivation to keep going and one of the best way to stay motivated is to see that you’re making a progress. Think about how you can measure your progress so you know that you’re going in the right direction.
10. Never give up
If you ever think about quitting - forget it. It doesn’t matter how difficult it is, keep going. In the moment of weakness stop, take a few deep breaths, relax and think about how would you feel if you gave up. You would regret it and it would make you feel hopeless. I’m sure you don’t want that to happen to you.
Bonus Tip. Surround yourself with people that believe in you, support you and motivate you. This is one of the most important elements in achieving any goal.
Following this process will increase your chances to succeed but if you fail in achieving your goal don’t despair. Failure is an essential part of the learning process. The more you fail the better you and your life will be. You’ve probably learnt a lot along the way and you’re ready to attempt your challenge again… and again… and again… until you succeed.
If you succeed don’t forget to reward yourself. Your hard work needs to be rewarded.
I encourage you to set yourself a goal and I encourage you to aim high. It is much better to fail in achieving the big goal than achieve a small goal.
So… What are your goals for 2016?
