“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” — T.S. Eliot 

Happy 2019!!! It’s a new year with new opportunities and goals – the world is our oyster!

As with taking on a new adventure, it’s both exciting and daunting to think about the future and what it brings. Firstly, it requires envisioning possibilities and planning to begin the process.

Whether it be planning your next vacation, or resetting your team to take on new ideas, creating a plan is essential. Let’s take a few minutes to think about how you develop that plan and engage your next steps.

What is your vision for the year?

Take time to reflect on one or two goals for yourself for 2019. It can be something small or one big goal. One of my goals is to eat healthier, based on a plant-based diet, exercise at least 5 times a week, exercising key muscles that don’t normally experience resistance and lose 10 pounds. Do you see how I have been specific on what success looks like? Having a goal of being healthy and exercising is not enough. Be specific!

Who do you need to reach out to for accountability and building your network?

Congratulations! You have made the first step. Now it is time to ensure you have the help you need to be successful. Many people feel that this is a personal achievement and that you should be able to succeed on your own. Nonsense!!! Think about people who will support you, be there for you, and be your cheerleader to keep moving forward. I’ve reached out to several people to help me with my goal. A physical therapist to focus on specific exercises for key parts of my body for maximum flexibility. Several specialists on ways to eat are assisting with my likes and dislikes with food. I picked friends who will hold me accountable to what I’m doing and support me when we go out to eat (you know who you are…limit my ice cream intake). Above all else, I want to be healthy!  Who can you bring on board so that you are not alone in achieving your goal?

What are the first steps you can take to move forward?

Now, plan what you need, make your list of what you need, and take the steps to create a successful environment around you. Who do you need to reach out to, what do you need to learn from them. Any things you need to create a successful path. Mine was reaching out to Doctors, Physical Therapists, and friends to find the options that might work best for me.

Measure success along the way, and restructure if needed. Celebrate success!

I’ve been working on my goals for almost a month now and I’ve already lost 5 pounds. Yay!!! But at the end of the month, I’ll re-evaluate my progress, how I’m feeling, and whether I need to tweak my actions to continue to keep it fresh and not stagnant. If something isn’t working, I’ll tweak to try something new which will help me reach my goal. Also, at the end of the month, I’ll review my progress and celebrate my success, possibly with a small ice cream from my favorite spot, Two Roosters.

Start small or think big. Whichever you choose, it will be a wonderful adventure, with new learnings by the end of the year.

Stay positive and watch the opportunities (whatever they may be) come your way because this is the way to create success!

I wish you the best success in your own goals.

For more information on setting and achieving your goals in 2019, consider reading “Goals! How to Get Everything You Want–Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” by Brian Tracy, available on Amazon.com.