Hi Reader

I hope you have had a great start to the week.

If you have read my recent posts, you should be acquainted with some of my personal story.

On top of my type 2 diabetes diagnosis three years ago, I have recently been diagnosed with the auto immune disorder, Sarcoidosis.  I became aware than my health was in turmoil when I started noticing little fatty tumours appearing under my skin across both arms and hands.  After several tests, I turned up last Thursday to be confronted by three doctors waiting for me in the doctor’s room.  To say I was startled by this would be an understatement.  While the diagnosis is not terminal, it does pose some threats to my organs and so I will need to take a few steps to deal with my new reality.

We all have big dreams and ambitious goals, but the path to achieving them can often seem daunting.   Life experience has taught me that the key to turning dreams into reality lies in breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps.  By doing so, the feelings of being overwhelmed are less intense and you are provided with a clear roadmap to success.

With a new diagnosis of an auto immune disorder and the continuous urge to have a purpose in life, I admit that I am becoming overwhelmed by the many steps it takes to become a successful writer, and particularly a copy writer.  Google are changing their algorithms and therefore I need to become acquainted with this new information so that I can change with the times.  I’m participating in some courses currently with the American Writers and Artists Institute and so I am trying to complete these.  I have been connecting with many people on LinkedIn as I try to expand the connections in order to increase my chances of picking up some freelance writing positions . 

Life at times can be overwhelming, but as I think back through other moments in my life where I have been required to learn multiple elements to learn a complex task there are several small steps I needed to take to reach my goals.

Life Experience has taught me…

1. Start with the End in Mind

Before becoming confused by all the details, take a moment to clearly define your goal. What does success look like to you? Be specific and write it down.

2. Break It Down Further

Now that you have your major dream in sight, it's time to break your goal into smaller steps. 

When you want to gain your car license, you don’t get into a car for the first time and start driving as a proficient driver. Rather, there are a series of steps. It takes many hours of driving practice to become a proficient and licensed driver.  

Any major goal in life is the same.  You need to break the final goal down into smaller, actionable tasks. These should be specific, measurable, and have a clear completion point.

3. Set Realistic Timeframes

Assign deadlines to each of your tasks and milestones. Be realistic – it's better to give yourself more time than to set impossible deadlines that will only discourage you.  Consistency is more important than speed.  Remember a mountain climber never went from climbing a hill to climbing Mount Everest. 

4. Prioritize Your Tasks

Not all tasks are created equal. Identify which ones are most crucial to your progress and tackle those first. This approach, known as the "80/20 rule" or Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

5. Create a Visual Roadmap

Sometimes, seeing is believing. Create a visual representation of your goal breakdown. While you might create a flowchart or a mind map, my preference is a list I can check off every time I have completed one of these steps.  No matter what you do, having a visual aid of your success can help you stay motivated and track your progress.

6. Celebrate Small Wins

As you complete each small task, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. These celebrations, no matter how small, can provide the motivation to keep moving you forward.

7. Review and Adjust Regularly

Life is unpredictable, and your plans may need to change. Set regular intervals to review your progress and adjust your roadmap as necessary. This flexibility will help you stay on track even when faced with unexpected challenges.

8. Seek Support and Accountability

Remember to share your goals and progress with people who support you.  A support system provide you with encouragement during tough times and holds you accountable to your commitments.

9. Take Action Today

The most important step is to start. Choose one small task from your list and complete it today. This initial momentum can propel you towards your larger goal.  Remember, every big achievement is the result of many small steps taken consistently over time. As you break your goals down into small actionable steps, you set yourself up for success.

Dream big, plan smart, and take that first step today!

Do you need help moving forward? Contact me here