Did your create a mental list of New Year's resolutions that you really thought you wanted to accomplish and yet, now seven months later,  you haven't done anything more concrete than perhaps writing them down? And, if you're like many of us, you can't even put your hands on that list today because you forgot where you put it. Knowing what you want the outcome to be is only the first and easiest part of achieving your goals. How are you going to accomplish your goals if you don't do something? As much as I wish it were possible, you can't just "wish" something into existence. Setting your destination is terrific, but how are you going to get there unless you kick yourself into action and start moving forward on the road towards your goal?

The key to accomplishment is movement - just thinking about losing weight, getting a new job, improving a relationship or achieving any other goal won’t make it happen. It takes a positive can-do attitude, a vivid mental picture of what you want to accomplish and then taking one positive action, followed by another, followed by another, followed by another...  You can't drive a car in two directions at once. The same is true with goals, achieve one before you go on to the next. This will give you the momentum to achieve your next goal and by taking one step at a time you'll build up enough momentum to achieve the goals that are fully within your control. Before the end of 2011, you will have checked-off the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year.

If you didn't set the direction for your life on January 1st, it's not too late. Think of one or more things that you want to achieve by the end of the year. Choose a goal that will give you a sense of pride or satisfaction when it's achieved. Maybe it's to take an art class, to travel to Denmark, to organize your files or to balance your checkbook every month. It could be scheduling regular "date nights" with your spouse, meditating on a daily basis, learning how to ballroom dance or thinking before you speak. Make each goal something that will add value to your life.

My primary goal for this year (as well as for the rest of my life) is to become the best and most authentic ME I can be at this point in time. With that as my target, every day I do something that brings me closer to that goal. This may include: meditating, attending a workshop, having an honest conversation with friends, doing an on-line personal growth programs, reading an inspirational book or watching an inspirational movie. Whatever I choose to do is focused on my increasing my personal well-being and growth. Do I forget to take action sometimes or are there days when I only veg out or does "life" throw up an obstacle so my forward momentum is temporarily stopped? Sure, but I then just start back on my path to becoming the best me I can be.
 
Oh, by the way, I also forgive myself and accept my little "side trips." Often it's the "unplanned" event on my journey that helps me to learn more about myself and how I respond to challenges. So, I wasn't really off track at all. I learned something that will make the rest of my journey go more smoothly. And, yes I  know, I will always be a "work in progress." That's my point: You only need to take one step at a time and to trust that whatever shows up will add to the quality of your life in some way.  Without identifying my desired outcome and taking action, I would miss out on a lot of happiness.

So what are you going to accomplish today that will move you along the path to achieving your life goals? Unless you actually “do something”, your goal will remain an illusive fantasy and you’ll miss the thrill of accomplishment! Take action today...take a step on your pathway to success!

Joanne P. Stein, Joyologist, www.bestcoach4u.com