Picture this scenario: You’ve got a huge wall in front of you and every brick represents one of your goals. When you take a step back and look at the whole thing, it looks way too big to handle, doesn’t it? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the size and scale of your dreams and goals.

 

But I’m here to tell you it’s okay to feel overwhelmed – it’s a rite of passage for the ambitious.

 

Now, if you’ve never stared up at that wall I just described with that feeling of stress or pressure weighing on you, then maybe you need to stop and ask yourself, are you really pushing your limits? Maybe it’s time to get your hands dirty and really start going after your goals, brick by brick.

 

Hold on though. Before you run out there and try to figure everything out all at once, you need to stop and think about what you’re doing. That’s like trying to boil the ocean. Not only is it impossible, but even trying will paralyze your progress. That’s why I talk about breaking your goals down to smaller tasks that are more manageable.

 

How satisfying is it when you get things done successfully? It gives you a good feeling inside, doesn’t it?

 

That’s the concept of goal setting. By adding up all of the small achievements, you’ll begin to realize that you’re building your own path to the top.

I’m sure most, if not all of you, know my story by now. When I was an aspiring entrepreneur and wanted to have my own gym, I didn’t know everything that was required when I started. If you think it’s as simple as leasing a space and buying some equipment, forget it. Standing up a new business or even taking on a complex or difficult task at work or in life requires a lot of steps, a lot of lessons learned, and a lot of bricks to make your goal a reality.

 

Okay, let’s say you’ve got the vision and the drive to make it happen. That’s fantastic! But how do you turn that motivation into real, tangible progress?

 

The answer is simple: goal setting.

 

But I’m not talking about scribbling all the things you want to achieve on a notepad or napkin and forget about it. Real goal setting is about creating a roadmap for your journey…one single step at a time until you’ve made it to where you want to be.

 

This has been studied in the behavioral analysis field for decades. It’s a fact that when you set specific, achievable goals, you’re more likely to accomplish them. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, this is a universal principle that applies to everyone.

 

But I’m a realist and I know all of you are too. Goal setting isn’t some magic wand. It’s a tool, and like any tool, you need to learn how to use it properly. In this case, this means being clear about what you want, breaking it down into smaller tasks, then the important part…holding yourself accountable.

 

Its why I use the analogy of bricks. Think of your goals as a pile of bricks. Each one represents a task, or maybe a milestone. As the builder, you are the one who is laying those bricks every day, and as someone who does the same, you know life can change suddenly.

 

Some days it’s easy, and the brick fits perfectly in your plan. Other days, it can be a struggle that challenges your motivation.

It’s how you get closer to where/how/what you want to be in life.

 

And like most other topics I talk about, accountability is what matters most. It is absolutely critical when it comes to goal setting. One of the best ways to do this is to share your goals with someone you trust. When you have someone cheering you on, it gives you that little extra nudge you need sometimes. And remember, it’s not about judgment. Accountability is about support. When you have someone in your corner who believes in you and your abilities, it makes a huge difference.

 

Not only that, but it’s also okay to adjust your goals as you go. Life isn’t static and neither are you. As you grow and learn, your goals might change. Don’t consider that failure, that’s called flexibility. Having the ability to adapt and move forward is an important skill in life.

Accountability is not just a buzz word, it’s a real commitment – both to yourself and to your future. No one else is responsible for your path…just you.

 

So, in the spirit of proactivity and accountability, I’d like you to take a moment and declare one of your goals. Not just any goal, I want you to choose one that challenges you and stretches you out of your comfort zone. Then, I’d like you to write it down and share it with me, someone you trust, or be bold and announce it to our community. Then, break it down into steps.