What is a goal you have had and how did you achieve it?

Setting personal goals is easy. Actually attaining your goals is much more difficult. Achieving personal goals takes effort, patience, and perseverance.

The following is a li…st of ideas that, if followed, will make it much more likely that your goals will become reality. Goals will not be accomplished if they are unrealistic. One of the largest barriers that keep us from moving forward is being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start.

So, break down a larger goal into smaller goals to get you started. As you get into new habits, you can always expand your plans until you get to where you want to be. When you set a new goal, it is important that you list the specific steps to accomplish it so that you can feel organized and in control.

For example, if your new goal is to get into better shape, write down what your start date will be, the specific days and times you plan to work out, what your workout routine will be, and any barriers that may get in your way. This will make the goal seem more realistic, and give you a direction. Life is busy, so goals often don't get accomplished, because it doesn't feel like there is any time to fit them in.

If you are serious about a goal, you have to make it a priority. Take a look at your schedule, and see what you can move around or do away with in order to fit your goal in. For example, if your goal is to have date nights with your partner, pick a day and time that you can both plan on every week, and make sure you follow through without letting anything else get in the way.

Let's be honest, starting a new goal is often more work than fun. So, you need to make sure you give yourself something to work forward to in order to make it more motivating. For example, if you stick to your plan every week for a month, you can reward yourself with something you've been wanting, but normally don't do for yourself.

The key to the reward system is the follow through-and the willpower to refrain from giving yourself the reward if you don't accomplish your goal! When you are beginning a new goal, consider asking a friend or loved one to do it with you! Together, you can hold each other accountable, and offer up motivational support when either of you gets discouraged or stuck.

Nothing is every going to go perfectly, especially when it's brand new.