Goals
Accomplish Your Dream One Step At A Timeby Aleta Pippin
Laura Wilkinson received the gold medal for 10-meter platform diving in spite of going into the last set of dives in fifth place and having three broken bones in one foot. The interesting thing about Laura is that during the seven-week period after breaking her foot, she couldn't practice. So, she used the power of visualization to imagine herself performing each dive. In spite of the challenges, she maintained her focus on winning the gold.
Sometimes, it's difficult to maintain a focus on such an important goal. That's when you take the small steps or mini-goals that will carry you toward your ultimate desire.
Recently I began jogging on the beach with my husband. It's a three and a half mile round trip. When I consider the distance and look way down the beach at the turnaround point, my mind starts in with the chatter, "it's okay to walk a little way," "why don't you take it easy today, you jogged yesterday," and "my body hurts, is this worth it?"
What I've discovered is by having a lot of little goals along the way, it's much easier. For instance, there are lifeguard platforms along the beach and I know that I can make it from one platform to the next. Or I pick out someone who is walking and tell myself that I can catch up with him.
It also works to take your mind off the big goal. I do this by watching the waves, the surfers, and the seagulls and sandpipers. I practice a presentation or work through a project that's forthcoming. I watch the dogs running and playing in the waves. And before I know it, I've gone the distance.
Here are some tips from a friend of mine, Nanci McGraw, McGraw Communications.
Use a sticky note pad and write down each tiny step on a separate sticky. Write each itsy, bitsy detail needed in order to accomplish your mini-goal. Here's an example.
1. Look up phone number
2. Write down what you want to say
3. Make the call
4. Create file
5. Send update
6. Appreciate yourself for completing this small goal
Stick these in sequence on a wall close by. You'll do 'em, and love taking them down one by one.
Try Nanci's idea and see if your goals aren't easier to accomplish when you take them one step at a time.
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Aleta Pippin. All right reserved. For information contact Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com.
