Even as adults, it’s not difficult to remember a time when a teacher asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For some reason, the goals we set for ourselves even at such a young age are never too distant for us to recall well into our adult years.
One reason why this could be is that, even if it wasn’t achieved or sought after for long, at some point, it gave us purpose. Goals can be a driving force behind a lot of future endeavors, and following a few simple steps can increase their success rate.
Where to Begin
The first step of goal-setting is visualization. Envision the future “you.” What type of life do you imagine for yourself? What credentials do you want to attain, and how do you want to get them? How do you want to earn an income? Do you want a family? A house? A car? Or do you want to live the life of a vagabond? All of these things and more are important to ponder. Once you’ve considered your desires for your future, make a decision on your best plan of action.
How can I get to that goal? What steps do I need to take? These are questions you should be asking yourself. Many professions these days require a college degree, so you need to think on what field of study is best for your ideal career. Just applying alone to a college or university can be very expensive, so it’s vital that you start planning as soon as possible. The professionals from Authority.org say that most colleges require no fee to apply to help people get a jump on the application process. Feeling overwhelmed already? Don’t worry—by breaking your goal into achievable steps, you’ll arrive at your destination in no time.
Set Your Goals Down in Writing
Following your dreams isn’t as simple as throwing a penny into a well and hoping for the best. You have set smaller goals that will ultimately lead to the big-picture goal. There’s no reason to fret about the overwhelming amount of work that might go into this. There’s plenty of apps that can assist you along the way. Apps are a great way to create routines and track progress, but never underestimate the power of a simple to-do list.
Keep It to Yourself
The temptation to tell family and loved ones all about your visions for your future self will always be there. You might feel a certain amount of pride towards these aims and want to share the joy. Maybe you think it will be easier to stick with your plan of action if your family and friends know about them and can support you.
There’s also a certain amount of accountability that goes along with spilling the beans about all the things you’ve set out to do. However, at the end of the day, you have to hold yourself accountable for the moves you make. You have to support yourself and persevere regardless of the people in your support system. Do not use your loved ones as a crutch for when your self-belief wavers. Be your own cheerleader and quietly walk your path without the need for validation from others.
Set Goals that Make Sense
Dunking a basketball may not be the best dream to chase after if you’re five feet tall. There are ways around certain obstacles, and you have to be wise enough to know the difference between a roadblock and a dead-end road. There are several elements to setting smart goals. Seek out advice for if you’re unsure of what ambitions are best suited for you. There’s never any shame in asking questions, which leads to the next pillar of goal-setting.
Find a Mentor
Don’t believe anyone who claims to be “self-made.” All great success stories begin with a bit of cluelessness. What would be the point of education if we knew everything on our own? There’s always someone out there who has been where you are or at least experienced some of the things you’re bound to go through on your journey to success. Find someone who will understand you and the path you’ve taken towards your future. You will need advice along the way, and if you don’t know anyone in your immediate family or social circle who can mentor you, then find a person you respect who can.
After you’ve set your best foot forward by locating your best resources and gearing your mind towards the prize, put your nose to the grindstone and do it. Don’t wait another day to start. Begin now. Each day does something that takes a step in the direction of your dream, and your future will surely bear the fruits of your efforts.
