Adventure to a Better Life

So now you have the goal; to travel into a new future. So, you need the plan. To do this, look at where you are now and then look at all the things you would need to build the life you are picturing. How do you do this when you are not sure what this means?

In that case, you need to look at the options available to help you learn new ways of relating and new ways of changing everyday behaviors and thinking. Or maybe you want to achieve a certain thing in your heart and you realize that in order to get there, there is a certain amount of experience you need to acquire first. How can you acquire said experience?  Others have made the adventure before you and they made a map. First you have to break out of the sameness let go of what is not working. Leave you comfort zone, grab the treasure map and get a guide to help you find the treasure you seek. 

There are many similar examples of how you might go after a particular goal but the thing to remember in every case is that you need to focus on small steps that are just ahead of you. It might mean working with someone who knows how to do something you would like to accomplish. It might mean learning new ways of relating to others. Maps go from one location to another in the correct order.

With that in mind, you’re then going to break these smaller goals down even further. Now the objective is to look at the smallest possible steps that you need to take on a daily or weekly basis to get there. So if your goal is to have better relationships and you are stumped as to how to do this, try something different. If you keep on as you are for the next 3 years, those relationships will not improve.

Find a training or coaching plan that works for you, and then commit to sticking to that every single day without one flaw. This is like writing a book. The only way to reach the goal is to write on a regular schedule. Make the goals easy to accomplish but ensure that they take positive – if small – steps in the right direction. Deep change takes time and small steps begin the process.

This is the key target. This is the primary directive. You’re going to imagine that vision and let it motivate you when the times get rough. Put a picture in your mind of the end of the journey. But focus the daily target. Right now, that is all that matters. 

To help you visualize this, here is what it basically boils down to: 

Dream/Vision (Overarching Goal) > Plan (Stepping Stone Goals) > Daily Target (Daily/ Weekly Goal) 

Changing Your Thinking 

So why is this change in thinking so important? The answer is that focusing too much on a distant goal will make you too detached from what it is you’re trying to accomplish. You can easily get discouraged.

This makes it very hard for you to stick to. It’s all too easy for you to get lazy, to take shortcuts or even forget all about it. Even if your goal is more specific and time- sensitive – such as heal your marriage, quit arguing with your spouse, having less drama in your life or better friendships you need a plan.

Then what if you stick to the plan as much as possible but you still don’t see the results you want? How disheartening is that? So instead, the goal is the target. You focus on the next step. Then the next when you are successful at that one.

You either succeed or fail. It is entirely down to you. It’s entirely your responsibility and no excuses cut it. But if you keep focusing on the daily targets, the next step you will find that the overarching vision takes care of itself. It’s like building a house brick by brick, or taking a journey step-by-step. 

Some Final Tips 

Just to help you stick to your path, consider a few pointers. 

One: keep your daily targets easy to accomplish. Introduce them slowly. Don’t be in a rush to get anywhere. It is better that you just start to enjoy the journey of changing your thinking.

Two: keep track of the days you succeed and lose. Jerry Seinfeld uses this technique and calls it ‘the chain’. 

Every day he does what he sets out to do, he puts a big cross on his calendar. This is rewarding and addictive in and of itself and his desire to ‘not break the chain’ is reportedly enough to keep him from giving up. 

You may want to keep a journal of your successes and failures. In time there the successes should increase.

Even if you do not hit the target directly, you will hit nothing if you don't aim, if you live without purpose.

Three: use the most practical and proven methods to get where you want to be. You must believe in your plan. 

Why are we willing to go into work every day but not work on a plan we enjoy and that could make us happier? Simple: because when we get in a rut, the way things are is familiar. You need a plan. Something that will help you to get where you need to be. 

And finally: don’t get disheartened if you miss one day. The aim is not to of course. But if you slip up, go easy on yourself and just jump straight back on that horse!