A Game Plan for Turning Dreams into Goals

Successful people turn dreams into goals. They stop dreaming about what they would like to do, and start on how to get it done. And this takes determination, discipline and perseverance.

These are five practical, mental strategies for achieving your goals. If one of your goals, is to lose weight and “weight” may not always mean “fat loss.” Weight is just as applicable to “baggage”. Losing weight is really about betterment.

1. Have a Plan

Set specific dates and numbers. If you want to lose weight, ask yourself how much weight you want to lose and write that down? Then assign a practical target date, taking into consideration events that you already know could impede your goal (holidays and special occasions). Make certain to assign responsibility to your date. It is your duty and only you are accountable. If you over eat during Thanksgiving, don’t blame the host.

2. Write it Down

Time slips by so quickly these days. With the daily hustle of deadlines and mandatory “to dos” our goals might become vaguely esoteric. Writing down our intentions, will make our plans permanent. Refer to this guide, your to do for you every morning and every night. By doing so, you remind yourself of your obligations to yourself. Check off your accomplishments as they occur. The mere act of writing down an intention, puts it a mental “must do” category.

3. Be Flexible

Expect that you will deviate from your diet every now and then. Circumstances occasionally, temporarily prevents us from sticking to our plans. This is why writing down your intention is critical. Difficult times can throw us off our path. Reviewing our original written goal, takes us back to our original mindset and it puts things into perspective, allowing for adjustments. Remember, “you don’t want to stand rigid like a tall oak that cracks and collapses in the storm. Instead, you want to be flexible, like a reed that bends with the storm and survives” — Deepak Chopra.

4. Keep it Safe

Share your goals with like minded people. Misery loves company and those loved ones that are dieting and exercising with determination, will happily offer their support. Remember, this is for you, your goal, no one else’s. Keep it to yourself, for now.

5. Get Rest

Eight hours of sleep, at least. Our body needs rest, especially if you are changing a routine, this can be stressful and your body needs to recuperate. Diets can cause havoc on our sensibilities. Don’t allow yourself to become irritable due to lack of rest. If you need to catch up on zzz’s, take a nap.

When it comes to achieving your goals, you should know your intention. Yes, to lose weight, but why? What are your reasons? Is it to no longer be seen as “invisible?” As ironic as that is, this truly unconscious desire, this reasoning will not make you happy. By applying your intuitive response, — your instinctive response — as a guide, your intention will easily and effortlessly become a reality.