Do Your Daily Choices Align with Your Long-Term Goals?

That summer hiatus I took a few months ago truly renewed me. I was serious when I said I’m back, energized and ready to work towards my goals. And… I’m bringing you along so you can work on your goals, too!

Reaching your long-term goals depends on the actions you take each day. Every small step you take toward your ultimate destination will help you to get there. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget that and become overwhelmed by the enormity of a goal. Achieving it can seem impossible at times. This is especially true when you lose track of the details it takes to accomplish the desired result. Here’s how you can avoid this trap by making daily choices that align with your long-term goals.

Do Something Every Day. Taking baby steps toward your goals makes things so much more manageable. Your daily choices really do make a difference in how easily you will reach your ultimate goal. They also help to keep you motivated so that you don’t run out of steam or willpower. Strive to do at least one thing every day that will bring you closer to reaching your goal. Creating short-term goals is also a part of a successful planning process.

Talk About Your Goals. We don’t talk about our goals often enough. Many times, it’s because we’re afraid others will criticize our dreams. Or maybe it’s because we don’t want to be seen as failures if things don’t work out. However, talking about your goals with others is a great way to help bring them to fruition. When you talk about your desires, you’re keeping them at the forefront and building excitement. In addition, you’re creating accountability. You’ll want to work harder to achieve the things you’ve shared with others. I’ll go first. One of the goals I have for myself in 2020, is to launch a podcast. There. I said it. Now, it’s your turn. Finish reading this email and then hit reply and share one of your 2020 goals with me. I’d love to hear about it.

Consider Working Backward. Take a look at your goal and then map out the steps it would take to achieve it, from completion to beginning. This makes things seem a little less overwhelming and easier to get started. It can work really well to bring some goals to reality.

Look for Motivation. Part of maintaining your progress toward a goal is staying motivated. Look for daily motivation in the little things. Find routines that can help you to do that. For example, a morning routine in which you focus on your goal and take part in activities such as journaling, meditating and planning will keep your end-result at the forefront of your mind as you go through your daily routine. Implementing regular parts of your day to reinforce your goal will keep motivation flowing.

As always, make sure to check in with yourself on a regular basis. This lets you adjust and celebrate successes. The things you do every day truly are essential to reaching your long-term goals.

If you’re ready to approach each day differently with more focus and purpose — and less clutter and chaos — the 2020 Unlock Your Potential Planner is the perfect tool. This unique planning system will help you set goals, manage tasks and celebrate your wins — so you stay on track and motivated all year long.