SIZE UP THE TARGET: Start with a large circle and draw a pie chart. Slice your pie into these categories: family, friends, romance, money, home, health, job, and spirituality. Look carefully at each piece and see what’s missing. What do you need to create a complete pie? Pick no more than two categories on which to focus your efforts in the coming months.
GET VISCERAL: Jot down a sentence that describes yourself once you’ve reached your goal. I am … “a vibrantly energetic being with a juicy, romantic love life.” Notice the colors, temperatures, textures, and emotions of this statement. Surround yourself with them. Make a vision board. For the next several months, find ways to experience these senses (e.g., buy fresh roses, write and read love letters to yourself, bathe with sensual scents).
BABY STEPS: Forget about the finish line and focus on the first curve. Mold long-term goals into small manageable morsels and take one at a time. If you intend to double your income next year, create short-term goals like garnering interview skills for another job, boosting self-esteem, or preparing your case for a raise. Make careful, well-calculated preparations to move from one step to the next.
SUCCESS SECRETS: Keep a journal. Tame the critic. Compliment yourself. Take time out for yourself each week. Cultivate a group of encouraging, supportive friends. Be consistent. Keep reminders like your vision board in plain sight. Don’t give up.
SWEET REWARDS: Carve out 10 minutes each week to check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. Reward yourself with something small but treasured. It doesn’t even have to cost anything. Every little change is a big deal. Be sure to acknowledge each as such.
