It’s that time of year when we make resolutions and promises about the great things we will achieve in the coming year. But more often than not, the dream is morbidly deferred to its eternal resting place on the unfinished “maybe one day” to-do list. This time of year should mean a chance at a new beginning.
To quote a modern form of communication, the meme, “Do Something today that your future self will thank you for.”
Taking the First Step
The message is simple yet deeply impactful. Get started right now on your dreams, projects, or your career. Nothing is worse than realizing what could have been if you had just gotten started. Do not defer your dreams or plans any longer. 2018 will be here in 364 days. Why not arrive at this time next year doing something more than what you are doing today? Perhaps it’s finishing a degree, acquiring a certification, a promotion, a new job, career change, or starting your own business. Whatever your dreams or goals, you already have the most important ingredient, your vision. Why not take it to the next level and get started?
Getting Started is Scary…
What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have crafted tried and true ways of getting started by turning your dreams into goals. These four steps are the first phase of making sure your goals actually get done this year.
Steps to Getting Started on Your Goals:
1. Write down ALL of your goals. Write down every goal – big and small. Knowing goals in your head is not the same as writing them down. Written goals are more real and you remember them better. For example, if your goal is to acquire a degree, write something like “Earn a Bachelor’s degree.” It’s just that simple.
2. Prioritize each goal. Setting a priority to each goal helps organize the list. If you give each goal a priority it makes the intent real and gives it a sense of urgency. For example, assign a letter to each goal such as A, B, or C where A is the highest priority.
3. Add due dates to each of your goals. Adding a due date holds you accountable. Without a date, the goal becomes a suggestion.
SUCCESS TIP: Be sure to sit in a place or environment that is relaxing or inspiring to you when going through this process. Try not to complete this process while multi-tasking or otherwise distracted so that you are focused. You may need to revisit this list often at least every three months to recalibrate or mark off completed goals.
Your dreams are possible if you just take the first step. You already have what it takes… YOU! So go ahead, begin now. This time next year, your 2018 self will be so thankful and grateful to your 2017 self for getting started.
In case you missed any of my blog posts or other resources, below are resources to help you get started on your future self.
30 Ways to Kick Your Career into High Gear
How to Calculate Your Asking Salary
Ms Resume Help Blog Talk Radio Show (Archives)
Holly Bunn is a career coach, resume writer, LinkedIn profile writer, and motivational speaker with more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources, recruiting, and technology. She is sought out as a subject matter expert on resumes, LinkedIn, job search, and career management. Holly has delivered job search workshops and written resumes for hundreds of job seekers who have secured interviews and landed jobs. Her clients experience success almost immediately after applying her winning techniques. For more information on career coaching or resume help, contact Holly at (305) 791-6965 or holly@msresumehelp.com.
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