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Turn your dreams into a plan (the easy way)

Turn your dreams into a plan

Happy New Year!

There’s something exciting about the new year that tells us: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE (once again).

At some point during the year we get lost in the rhythm of our day-to-day lives and while we may be accomplishing things, it’s not always easy to find that excitement or buzz that comes with the beginning of a new year.  Afterall, a new year means a new beginning.  You think about things you’d like to change, what you don’t want to do any more, dream about all the things you’d like to accomplish and probably being healthier, stronger, thinner, happier and wealthier too!

However, these dreams are just dreams.  They won’t last unless you put a plan together. A solid one. One with actions.  Actions that are easy to follow.  Sound good? Well let’s get started then!

Step one – Have a clear vision

Don’t skip this step! Imagine yourself at the end of the year, once you’ve realised your dreams.  What do you look like? Where are you? Imagine what else has changed as a result of your dreams.  Hold tight to this image. It is the key difference between dreams staying dreams and dreams becoming a reality.

Step two – Make it a measurable goal

This usually means adding a value and a date to your goals.  For example: if your dream is to play the piano, your goal might be, to play 3 classical pieces of music by the end of the year.  Or if your dream is to be healthy, your goal might be, to eat three healthy meals and exercise for 1 hour every day for at least three months. Get specific.  And don’t forget to put a date on it.

Step three – Write it down

Now. Yes, now.  Open notepad and start typing away. Write down your measurable goals. Include details about your vision. Include why it’s important for you to do this. Elaborate as much as possible so that you have something powerful to read if at some point you feel you’re faltering.

Step four – Create simple actions

Look at your goals and write down a few simple actions that will get you started. For example: for the piano goal mentioned above, your first action might be to find and book an appointment with a piano teacher.  For the healthy goal, your first action might be to ‘donate’ any unhealthy food in the house and to buy ingredients for healthy meals you want to try.  Write down as many simple actions as you can think of now.  It will help you later on.

That’s all there is to turn your dreams into a plan.

I’d wish you luck, but luck has nothing to do with it.  Holding tight to your vision, having clear goals and simple actions does!

If you want to get started now, tell me what your dreams for 2016 are and the measurable goal that goes with it in the comments below.