We’ve all got goals, personal and professional. Some are large, some are small. Regardless of the scope or size, sometimes the biggest barrier to achieving our goals is not our ability or circumstance. Instead it’s our belief that what we want to achieve is improbable or worse yet, impossible. But here’s a question to think about…
What might change if you believed that your goals were not out of your reach, but just simply a stretch?
I know this is easier said than done. For some, “impossibility” is a tape that continually plays. But, thankfully, it is a tape that can be erased (or at least turned over) once we realize that impossibility – and the limitations it places on us – exists only in our minds. Read on for some helpful tips on how to make the seemingly impossible possible.
Get connected to your why & what. Before committing to a goal, you must fully understand why that goal is important to you, at this time. Grab a pen and paper and write down your goal. List what will take place as a result of achieving this goal and how it will positively affect the lives of you, your loved ones and those around you. Examine your list. If the results are truly important to you, chances are you will become more committed to taking the steps, and making the sacrifices necessary, to achieve your goal and desired results.
Ask yourself, “How?” All too often we focus on the reasons why we believe something can’t be done. We may say that it’s too difficult, too inconvenient or too expensive. Or maybe we tell ourselves that it’s simply not the right time. Our reasons may seem valid, but often they are just excuses packaged in a way that looks and sounds like the truth. Rather than focus on what stands in your way, instead ask yourself, “How can this be done?” or “How can I make this work?” Thinking about the “how” is a great way to move past the excuses and embrace possibility.
Remember a time when… Piggy backing on the why, what and how, think back to a time when you accomplished something that you thought was improbable or impossible. Acknowledge the talent, strength and skills that helped you be successful back then. Now think about your current undertaking and how you can utilize these same attributes – and what you learned from the past experience – to help you achieve a similar level of success.
Start with small steps. Sometimes a task seems impossible because of its magnitude. Take a breath and break down your task by creating an action plan with smaller steps. Make sure each step is attainable, manageable and specific, and also set realistic due dates. Consider seeking out an accountability partner or coach to keep you on track. Remember not to judge the size of the step but instead celebrate the direction you are heading.
Ask for assistance. Many of us are only too willing to offer help when asked, but few of us feel comfortable asking for assistance. Realize that if you’re up to something big, it may be beneficial to enlist the help of others. Make it easy for those around you to say yes. To get them excited, share your vision and the bigger picture. (Your enthusiasm is contagious!) Then be clear about what you need and when you need it. We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village.” But if you gather enough support from enough people, you can accomplish just about anything.
Above all else, remember that your thoughts are your reality. If you believe something is possible, then it is~
