From Goal To Reality: 12 Steps Into A New Future

Step 1: Decide to map the future today

Most of us have goals. Big ones. Little ones. We do not always act on them. For several reasons. That is sad. However, everyone of us has the power to create the life he or she is longing for. There is no exception. It is a matter of really believing that the achievement of our goals is possible, that we can do it and that we are worthy of living the experiences we strive for. From there we take the conscious decision to set the first step. Today.

Step 2: Choose a direction

We need to know ourselves well and love ourselves so much that we work on what makes us happy. We can walk on many roads but only some choices will be right for us. These choices will be aligned with who we really are and how we need to grow to become the best version of ourselves. Our talents, passions and interests will give a clear indication in what direction we need to go. What activities make us feel on top of the world? What did we like to do when we were a child? 

Step 3: Build a team of supporters

We have decided to start today and we know our direction. It is also helpful to surround ourselves with people who we know, like and trust. They can hold us accountable to continue to generate the desired results. A team of supporters empowers us and shows us that we are never alone. There is always someone who cares about our health and happiness. Together we are strong. Helping others to succeed is an honor and a present. What we give will be returned in many ways.

Step 4: Set the compass right

Our mindset is a tool we need to manage well. Each day we need to recalibrate our mind. With a positive mindset - free from fears and worries - our mind performs best. A healthy mind is able to provide the best capabilities to seek solutions for every challenge we meet. We must be aware that we always have a choice. We can only think one type of thought at the same time: fear or love based. A fear based thought will always reduce the power of our own mind.

Step 5: Keep the luggage light

Walking towards our destination can be exhausting or relaxing. It depends on the quality and quantity of the weight we put on our shoulders. Do we suffer from heavy weight (stress, overanalyzing, negative habits, etc) or do we go for the smart approach (relaxed mood, full of faith in a good outcome)? Heavy weight slows down our progress, with light luggage we walk faster. Let us only take with us what serves our goals best. The past is the past. Let us live in the present and expand from there.

Step 6: Manage all resources well

Without managing our energetic resources well we will set ourselves up for delusion. Without sufficient energy, we will go nowhere. We are what we eat, read, hear, see and do all of the time. We can always decide what we allow to be part of our system. Healthy choices generate a positive impact on us. Unhealthy choices lead to chaos. It is wise to ensure that our energy is always in balance. We cannot serve well when our batteries are empty.

Step 7: Break the map down into smooth steps

The end of the journey can seem far away. Sometimes too far. Then we like to give up. This is just a trick of the mind. What helps is that we break the goal down into baby steps. As clear as possible with given deadlines. By focusing on each step - one by one - and completing that particular step we encourage ourselves to move forward. Rome was not built in one day either. A goal is nothing else than a series of steps that need to be taken.

Step 8: Create regular checkpoints

It takes two to tango: creating a deadline must go hand in hand with respecting it. We need to organize moments where we investigate if we are following the time sheme that we had set out in the beginning. Of course some flexibility is allowed. As long as we are serious about achieving our goal within a given time frame. We are mainly accountable for our actions, but we can also involve our team of supporters to practice the art of sowing and reaping.

Step 9: Reward progress made

We are learning. That is wonderful. Hard work deserves a compensation. How will we reward ourselves during our walk for the many efforts we have made to become a more whole person? What gives us plenty of energy to go on, each day again? By rewarding ourselves for the work we put in our progress, we train ourselves to redirect attention, love and care to ourselves. Self-love is mandatory. Giving thanks to others is also recommended. Their greatness matters too.

Step 10: Visualize the finish line

See the finish line. Make a mental picture of it every day. Let it become clearer and clearer. Make it as detailed as possible. Who is waiting for us at the finish line? What season is it? Is the sun shining or is it snowing? Do we hear music? In what city is the finish line located? What language do they speak there? Imagine that we reached the finish line today, how does that feel to us? Do we feel the excitement and happiness?

Step 11: Keep on walking

All we have to do is to keep on walking. Day in. Day out. We will never reach our destination when we stop. Procrastination does not support our growth. Life is about tasting experiences. Each time we procrastinate we are just adding more days on the calendar before we reach our goal. Our ego mind does not like change. It will make us believe that our goals are not important. So each time we hear an inner voice such as "no, not in the mood today" we have to put that negative thought in the garbage can.

Step 12: Be proud. We made it!

Completion. What a beautiful day! We made it! We have reached the finish line. Now that we have done it, we know how we can do this a second time. A third time. Again and again. The key to mastering our life is in taking actions. Each step will bring us closer to what we desire the most. Let us be convinced that the visualization of our goals is nothing compared to the vibes we feel when we have transformed our goals into reality. Overwhelming joy will be ours and it is within reach for all of us. We conquered ourselves. Victory from within!

By Liesbeth Leysen