Those 5 Steps are:

1. Set SMART goals

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Time-bound

Once you have a somewhat formulated goal, it’s important to make sure it meets all of the SMART criteria. Without SMART, you’re going to have a very difficult time putting an actual plan in place you can execute and measure.

2. Set micro-goals

No one jumps from Point A directly to Point Z. Accomplishing your goals works the same way: there are several micro-goals that need to be achieved on your way to accomplishing your #1 goal. Make sure you set those early, (you might focus on 10-day sprints that get you 1 step closer to your #1 goal), and focus on hitting your micro-goals to avoid overwhelm.

3. Set review periods

Reflection is underutilized – how can we expect to improve if we never give ourselves space to review what’s working and what’s not working?

Set review periods so you can reflect on your progress, double down on what’s working, and pivot from what’s not working. If you’re working towards your #1 goal in 100 days, then you can set quarterly review periods, (so every 25 days), and this will ensure you continue making progress towards your #1 goal.

4. Get an accountability partner

This is where most individuals go wrong. “I’ll work on it tomorrow”, and “I just don’t have the time right now” are excuses that crush our biggest dreams and goals. Having that determined FOCUS, and taking 1 steps towards your #1 goal every single day, is required. It’s easy to excuse ourselves, but when we have an accountability partner to report to, hitting our mico-goals and reporting actual progress has much more weight. 

5. Don’t give up

Daily affirmations, checking in with yourself consistently, having a support system in place, knowing where to turn for resources – these are all things that will help keep your motivation and drive high. Don’t just set a goal. Actually put a plan in place to accomplish that goal.

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” ~ Zig Ziglar