Goal Setting Tips: How to Pursue Your Dreams

by sbornstein on January 17th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Goal Setting—Everyone has a unique story. But, should they make the effort to write, edit, revise, and publish their story? The answer to that question should be left up to the individual.

In my case, I always had a strong desire to be an author. For years, I procrastinated. I repeatedly made excuses. I vacillated between topics and genres. I claimed that I couldn’t find an engaging story. I questioned my capabilities. “I can’t do this” was a familiar refrain. I feared the process. “I don’t know where to begin” was a secondary response. I retreated. I focused on other endeavors.

Never did I imagine that my first undertaking would be a memoir. I lived a quiet life outside the realm of the public sector. So, why did I devote almost two years of my life to writing a memoir? The answer is simple. I had an unfulfilled passion and a compelling story to tell. Something finally clicked. I was no longer going to allow my irrational fears to prevent me from pursuing what I had wanted to do. Just look at the picture to the right. That me visiting the 12th century Hoysala Temples outside Bangalore, India.

What prompted this change in attitude?

An unexpected employment opportunity in India caused me to live outside my comfort zone. Once I plunged into a world of uncertainty, there was no turning back. I was ripe for new experiences. Suddenly, I had a story.

Would I be comfortable sharing my private life with the public? I wasn’t sure, but I was willing to finally start writing. This was a crucial step.

Would I find the required time?

Yes. By readjusting my daily schedule, my “me time” became my writing time.

I redirected my energies. I focused on how I was going to fulfill my passion to write. Eileen Caddy’s poignant words highlight some of the major aspects of my new journey.

The secret to making something work in our lives is, first of all, the deep desire to make it work; then the faith and the belief that it can work; then to hold that clear and definite vision in your consciousness and see it working out step by step, without one doubt or disbelief.”

I wish that I could say that I never harbored any doubts along the way. Traveling in unchartered waters will naturally cause reservations. Despite lingering worries, my faith in myself prevailed. I was motivated to create a structured plan and follow through.

7 Tips for Reaching Your Dreams and Goals

It is never too late to fulfill a dream. Whether you are looking to write or accomplish another goal, by following these 7 simple steps, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts:

Identify and clarify your goal or aspiration.
Come to terms with the emotional obstacles that are holding you back.
Inject a dose of confidence and adjust your motto to, “I can do it!”
Locate experts who can provide useful and appropriate advice.
Synthesize the information and create a step-by-step road map to success.
Remain focused on your goal and dispel stages of doubt and resignation.
Take delight in all of your accomplishments.

What are your dreams and goals for the new year?

When I published, MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE: A MEMOIR, I fulfilled my passion to write a book. After years of procrastination, I finally accomplished my goal.

I did it!

I hope that I can encourage you to do the same.

Have you created a plan to fulfill one of your dreams?

Sandra Bornstein, an international educator and writer, has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses. She is the author of May This Be the Best Year of Your Life: A Memoir (www.amazon.com/author/sandrabornsteinand http://youtu.be/m-QMib9UaT0 ). She has two master’s degrees- one in education and another in Jewish Studies and is a licensed Colorado teacher with a K-12 Linguistically Diverse Education endorsement. She lives in Colorado with her husband and has four adult sons.See www.sandrabornstein.com and https://www.facebook.com/SandraBornsteinWriter.