Setting goals to achieve goals.

 Setting goals can be easy.  Whether they are short or long term, you need to think about what you are doing to achieve those goals. First thing first, analyze your goal and be realistic.  Why is this goal important, when do you want to reach this goal, how does this goal affect others, how are you going to put your goal in motion, what materials do you need, these are all questions you need to ask yourself.  All the negative energy around you, get rid of it! You are on a mission and negativity will not be accepted, you have too many things to accomplish to let other’s negative thoughts and actions influence you in any way.  

       

• Prep yourself

Make sure you have all the necessary tools and material needed to execute your goal.  This will help you in the long run. You will be prepared, and this will eliminate all the problems to come.  If you need training, education or just want to gain experience this would be a great time to start.

• Give yourself a timeline

Give yourself a realistic timeline.  You want to be a dancer?  Training can and will take time, years, be prepared for that kind of commitment with dedication and determination.  If you want to put on a play, give your self a few weeks to a couple of months to get a script, cast members, performance space and costumes.  Whatever your goal may be, just be realistic with it, you don’t want to give yourself too little time, to the point where you are rushed and stressed out, but you also don’t want to give too much time, that you slack off and don’t push yourself.

•  Evaluate your progress

Periodically, you want to see how much time has passed and see how much progress you have made. How much have you achieved in your goal? Have you stumbled across an obstacle, how did you overcome it?  Are you that much closer to achieving your goal? Was there an error anywhere, if so that’s okay, that’s why you are evaluating yourself.  You want to evaluate your progress, not only to keep you on track, but to keep you moving forward.

• Be consistent

Work towards your goal daily. This will also help to motivate you. The more consistent you are, the quicker you will meet your goal. And if you have a short term goal, this will allow you to start on your long term goal.

• Support, Feedback and Support!!

Do you have a support team? Any one you can lean on to lend a helping hand? They can be a parent, a close friend, a teacher or another family member, just someone who can and will support you, encourage you and give you constructive criticism when needed.  Always keep positive motivating influences in your life. You will need advice, so these are the influences you turn to. The encouragement you will receive will be uplifting!

•  Achieve

With all that hard work and dedication, your goal is now in action. Even if it takes longer than you thought, that’s alright, as long as you are pushing yourself and striving for something, you’re going in the right direction.  Goals are all about pushing yourself.  If you’re pushing yourself, remember, you’re almost there! Keep up the good work and keep moving forward.

Now, remember: Motivation, Dedication, and Determination. :)

Lavonnah