In order to move to the next level in life we need to set Big Scary Goals.
In July of 2014, I decided I wanted to run a 10k race. I was a sporadic runner, running fun 5k runs and doing all I could to avoid running seriously. A 10k goal at the time seemed impossible, but I was up for the challenge.
Right before I took the plunge I consulted with one of my running mentors if I could do the big one (to me at least) -- run a half marathon. She said yes! I had seven months to train and I did it.
Not even three months after that (starting to notice a pattern here?) I watched the NYC Marathon and decided right in that moment I would become a part of the 1 percent and run a full marathon. Crazy right? But I did it.
Setting big goals are terrifying. They honestly make me want to crawl under my comforter and take a nap. But we can't deny the deep transformation and change within you that happens when you set a big goal and successfully complete it!
Here are my six important steps for reaching a big goal:
Be Patient
Because big goals come with time. It's so tempting to compare to the next person or doubt your ability because you are still not where you want to be. As long as you are moving forward or taking steps to move forward you are getting closer to your goal.
Have A Plan
It's so easy to say things right? "I want a million dollars," "I want a better quality of life," so many thing we say we want but never quite start the work. Have a plan -- whether you hire a coach, download a free business model or simply list your steps to success in your journal, having a plan and executing it is key.
Expect The Unexpected
So now we are being patient and we have the perfect plan and everything goes haywire. All of a sudden you are derailed, unmotivated and ready to give up. The trick is to keep going. So many people (myself included) have given up on BIG dreams because of SMALL setbacks. The trick is to keep going-consistency always wins!
Find A Mentor (or three)
I have a lot of mentors (that may not even know they are my mentors!) I have so many people that I want to emulate whether it comes to running, blogging, parenting or just being a overall better person. Find people in your life that you want to be like and seek their advice, 99 percent of the time, they will give it willingly.
Don't Get Overwhelmed
The minute you decide to do something amazing and HUGE is the exact minute that everything you can imagine will start happening. Things WILL get crazy. It will seem like too much, but it won't be. Ask for help, gather the troops, adjust the plan and keep going the same way you started.
Document Your Progress
Whenever I am losing weight I love to use MyFitnessPal -- every time you lose a pound they celebrate not only that pound but ALL the pounds you have lost so far. When you start moving towards a goal, write down your successes whether they are big or small. Registered a new EIN number for your business? That's a win. Made your first sale? Huge WIN! Writing down your progress can not only help you make better decisions in the future but it can be your motivation for when things get tough.
Schnelle blogs daily at Brooklyn Active Mama and you can find her on Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook!