Setting goals and laying out a path to reach them can be liberating.
Having a sense of knowing where you are going is a comforting feeling.
But what happens when you realize you are going the wrong direction?
At that point it is time to tweak your plan or modify your path. This is where many of us stumble.
Change can be daunting for several reasons. Let’s look at a few of those reasons and see how to overcome them.
First, you made a commitment to a plan and you don’t want to give up on it. The path feels comfortable even if it is not taking you where you want to go. What to do?
Remember the important thing is the goal not the path. There are many different ways to reach the same goal. You need to find the path that works the best for you.
Tweaking your path is not an admission of failure. Rather it is a way to ensure success.
It is the middle of February and some of your New Year’s goals have already fallen by the wayside. Now is the time to evaluate what goals are most important to you and figure out how to get back on track.
Change does not have to be earthshattering. A small change made over a period of time can result in a big shift in direction. Focus on a small change.
Second, as you work toward a goal you are learning and growing. While you grow your path evolves and grows with you.
One reason your path might stall is that you need new skills to progress. You may need to look for a book or a class.
Researching and studying is a lot of fun for me but sometimes I forget to apply new insights as I learn. Application is a critical step in converting head knowledge to hands on skill.
This year I have refocused on applying new skills as I learn them and I am feeling myself growing again.
So as you evaluate your progress toward your goals ask yourself what skills do you need to grow and who can help you grow them.
Then dive into learning and applying new skills step by step.
Finally, build a support system to help you establish your new direction and stay on track.
Sometimes you need support to reach your goals. Support can come from a friend, family member, teacher or mentor.
I look forward to supporting and encouraging you as we learn and grow together. Stop by my Facebook page and join in the discussion.
