Almost three months have passed since the start of the New Year. Do you still remember your New Year’s resolution? If you are like most people, you have probably forgotten it or you have given up on resolutions all together because they have never “worked” for you. There are some of you who may have actually tried to accomplish a goal, but have since given up. Then, there are those of you who are succeeding. Is it luck or something else?

As you may have already guessed, sitting back and waiting for results to happen is an unlikely method for achieving your goals. The power to realize your dreams is in action.

The first action to take in any goal setting is to determine what it is you really want—be specific! The more specific you are, the better. For example, instead of choosing a vague goal such as “I want to be thin”, define what that means to you. Does it mean you want to lose 10 pounds? 15 pounds? 30 pounds? If you want to have a better relationship with your spouse or partner, define what “better” means to you. Allow for a means to measure your progress and ultimate success. Be sure to include a timeframe in which you want to accomplish your goal.

The second action to take is to ask yourself why you want this goal. List all of the reasons why you want to achieve it. When you have at least 5 reasons, add at least 5 more reasons why not achieving it would bring you discomfort, pain, or unhappiness. Dissatisfaction can be a tremendous motivational tool. This part of the process sets your mind up for the next step.

Decide to achieve your goal. By making a decision, you cut off other options that may detract from accomplishing the result you want. It focuses your energy on making your dream a reality.

Once you have completed the preceding steps (and not before), you determine the specific actions you need to take to accomplish your goal. There may be big steps and little steps to take; be sure to include all of them and commit to due dates.

The final action in goal setting is to take action! Everyone has at least 5–15 minutes per day to spend focusing on themselves. If you are still saying, “No, I don’t. I have no time for myself”, you are not being honest. We choose how we are going to spend our time. Ask yourself honestly, “Is my dream worth 5-15 minutes of my time each day?” You do not need to climb a mountain in a single day, but you do need to take a step forward. Every focused step you take will bring you that much closer to realizing your dream. The choices you make today determine your future. Why waste another day accepting less than you deserve? You can take action right now that will change your life. Do it!

If you are interested in receiving additional support in life coaching, please contact the office at (415)785-3347 for an appointment with Dr. Miller.