Realistic Goals

At the beginning of each new year, society continues the recycling of New Year's resolutions. People are entrapped by marketing ploys to help you get in shape, take on new projects, or even coerced into spending more than you have. In some instances, it leads to failed attempts to accomplish anything tangible. Society's gullible minions fall for it every year. Some people may have reasonable successes, while others revert to a lifestyle that is their comfort zone. Change is never easy, especially if you lack the motivation or the determination to succeed. Whether it's weight loss, going back to school, starting a business, or quitting a bad habit. Trying to accomplish anything can be difficult, since you may face many obstacles and challenges that can prevent you from achieving anything. I have learned that it is profoundly helpful that you set realistic, attainable goals and work towards accomplishing them. Everything takes time and effort, and it does not happen in a short period. It takes hard work, strong unwavering support, and determination to achieve your goals. Seek help and guidance when you need it, do your research, and learn as much as you can. When done right, your rewards are truly meaningful. As you make strides, you gain insight into your capabilities. Mistakes will happen, and failure is not the end; learn from it and don't give up.

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.”

— Stephen A. Brennan

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.” — Mario Andretti

“I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there, you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.”

— Zig Ziglar

“You can, you should, and if you're brave enough to start, you will.” — Stephen King

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn

If your goal is to lose weight and eat better, be honest with yourself about what steps you are going to take to achieve your goals. Even if you fail your first attempt,  that's ok; just don't give up. Once you give up, you become overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, and if left untreated can lead to depression. When you are overwhelmed with trying to make changes to your life, it will no doubt impede your progress. Eventually, any attempt to achieve your goals just gets harder in time. It is best to set yourself incremental goals, which will prove easier to achieve, and you can build on that. The same will apply to starting a new business or changing career; it will take time invested, motivation, and dedication on your part. It is always helpful to seek guidance and direction.  It will help you stay on track. As you learn and develop as an individual, you are going to face many obstacles and challenges in life; it is part of your growth and development. If you make mistakes or face disappointments, that's ok, learn from it and keep moving forward. If you find yourself at an impasse or a crossroads in life, just don't give up. Giving up is an indication you have not tried hard enough. Never give up on yourself, because giving up is not your only option in life. It is always hopeful to try your best since you might not know your potential until you take the initiative and faith to take the first steps toward success.

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ― Henry David Thoreau

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

“The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.” — Thomas Henry Huxley

“Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal.” — Elbert Hubbard

“Focused, hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. If you aren't sure which way to do something, do it both ways and see which works better.”

— John Carmack

When you set yourself realistic, attainable goals, it gives purpose and direction to have an incentive to work towards. As you explore options, allow yourself to explore your skillset; you never know, you might surprise yourself. I strongly believe we all have skills. Some of us may not have realized it yet, but there is no doubt there, and you just have to tap into it. You can only reach your full potential when you invest in yourself, and a vital part of that is education. Learn as much as you can, since the rewards are meaningful on so many levels. Even if you face failure, it's not the end. Failure helps you reassess and redirect yourself towards a better path in life. Just something to think about when you find yourself questioning your decisions in life. Realistic resolutions for life are far better than giving yourself a pseudo sense of achievement since it is always short-lived. Life is full of possibilities, you just need to make the required sacrifices, work hard at whatever you set out to achieve, trust and believe in yourself, and remember you have nothing to lose. Just do your best always. Remember, if life has taught you anything yet, common sense is the best education by far; use it wisely, or you will never make sense of anything. Never underestimate yourself.  Your possibilities are endless, just make sure you set yourself realistic goals. Just don't wait for the opportunity to come to you, get out there and find it yourself. Make it happen for yourself and you will have no regrets.

“You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things — to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.”

— Edmund Hillary

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

— Marie Curie

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” — Confucius

“Set realistic goals, keep re-evaluating, and be consistent.” — Venus Williams

“A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement.” — Bo Bennett