Goal! What it Takes

There are four basic steps that can help you reach any goal.

They are; identification, research, action, reward.

First, it helps to know the goal you are trying to achieve. Let's say you want to write a book. Is finishing the story the goal or is getting it published? Be specific. When I started writing 'Camouflage' my goal was to find a publisher. I wanted it to go through rigorous editing and I felt working with a publishing house was the best way.

Next comes research. What will it take to reach your goal. I looked up everything from the average length of scifi/fantasy books to which acquisition editors wanted to see fantasy stories about prehistoric creatures. Don't let this step hold up your project. I didn't look up publishing houses until the novel was complete.

Action is next. Do the activities that will help you reach your goal. To write a book you have to have a story and create a novel.
This is the step that is most likely to stand in the way of your goal. The key is to understand that goals are often not reached in a day, however, they require movement in the right direction. It is a step-by-step process. I did not get overwhelmed because when the task seemed too great, I focused on the next sentence.

Finally, if you reach your goal reward yourself. Acknowledge your accomplishment with a gift, praise, or both. It will help reinforce the concept that you can obtain your goals.