How to Coach Yourself and Others Happiness Is No Accident | Page 127

ACTION
So, you have a great goal. But how exactly are you going to reach it?
First thing to do is to break down your goal into manageable sub-goals. Not only will these stepping stones
help you to keep things in the right perspective (- compare "half a kilo to go this month" to "still 8 kilos to
go" -), but they will also make it easier to draw concrete daily action plans and to review and evaluate your
progress on a regular basis. As long as you keep sight of your goal, this allows for some flexibility along
the road.
Hint: Once your preparations are done, don't delay: Act Right Now! And once you got started, don't stop.

STRATEGY
Many roads lead to Rome. Depending on your personal experiences and preferences, your strengths and
weaknesses and on your actual life situation, you will have to pick a trajectory, a means of transportation,
the time you want to invest in your journey, the stopping places and the mileage you want to cover each
month, week and day.
But don't be too hard on yourself: even the best horse will stumble from time to time. Yet, it will get back
on its feet and keep going. It is likely that your initial action strategy will require some adjustment along
the road. Maybe you under-estimated the time or effort needed to execute your action plan. Or changes in
your life situation force you to reconsider your schedule. This implies that it may take you a little longer to
achieve your goal. But, hey! You know why you changed your action plan! The important thing here is to
always be honest with yourself. But, if necessary, it's even much better to adjust your goal than to throw
the towel and give up.
Hint: Regular reviews are important. They allow you to evaluate your progress, to adapt your daily action
plan and to celebrate your victories!

PERSEVERANCE
You started on this path toward the accomplishment of your dream in the firm believe that you can realize
your goal. Your goal is a SMART goal. You have the motivation and the right strategy to overcome any
obstacles that you might encounter along the way.
If you ever felt that you were a victim, by taking things into your own hands you have proven that you are
determined to be the protagonist in your own life.
It is not because the road is long and windy that it also should be dull and hard and lonely. Finding positive
role models may be a great idea: Become inspired by people who accomplished something important.
Read about them, watch positive movies. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who care
about you.
Hint: Share your goal with the people around you. Tell them about it and, if possible, find others that share
the same goals and form a small group in which members support each other and hold each other
accountable. Or find a mentor to support you.

Copyright: Dean Amory, 2014

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