The Core Message

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: any goal that lacks specific actions is nothing more than a wish list. So, take a moment to reflect: have you truly crafted a list of goals, or is it merely a list of wishes? Honesty is crucial here.

No one is going to hand you a wish list. There are no magical beings ready to deliver your dreams as you wake up in the morning. The primary reason you’re falling short of your goals is that you haven’t transformed your vision into actionable steps. It truly is that straightforward.

Now that you understand why you may not be making progress, what can you do to change this?

The Path Forward

Define your vision clearly and then outline all the actions necessary to bring it to fruition.

For instance, my main objective for 2022 is to diversify my income streams (I will elaborate on why this is essential in a separate post). Until I translate this into specific actions, it remains just a wish.

Here’s my action plan: - Revitalize my blog and commit to weekly posts - Continue uploading one video weekly to my YouTube channel - Engage in property investing - Flip clothing items - Launch my Digital Marketing agency - Pursue personal training - Train to become a running coach

Naturally, I can’t tackle all of these at once, but I’m focusing on the top five. How can I balance these with my day job? It’s all about effective time management and laser-like focus—more on that in another post.

With your vision set and a comprehensive action list in hand, identify which tasks excite you the most. Start with those; it's that simple.

Let’s explore a common goal. Vision: ‘get fitter’ First, clarify what 'getting fitter' means; it’s far too vague. For instance, let’s refine it to ‘run 5km continuously.’

Now, let’s create a detailed action list: - Download a Couch to 5K app/plan - Allocate time in your calendar for running / set reminders - Join a local running group - Find an accountability partner - Register for a 5km race or Parkrun

Although it may seem overwhelming at first, if downloading an app and finding an accountability buddy motivate you, then start there.

Navigating Challenges

Life can often interfere, but if you find yourself repeatedly neglecting the actions needed to reach your goal, it’s time for some self-reflection.

If, upon reflection, you realize that a goal no longer resonates with you, it’s perfectly acceptable to let it go. As the year progresses, you will evolve and grow, and your goals should reflect that change.

If you still wish to pursue the goal but struggle to prioritize it amid life's distractions, reassess your action list. Consider how to adjust it so the actions resonate with you enough to prioritize them. Once you’ve determined the necessary changes, revisit the process.

Ultimately, everything you hear about staying committed to your goals boils down to these fundamental principles. You have the potential to achieve more than you think; don’t allow Blue Monday to derail your aspirations.