How to Achieve Your Dream (in 238 easy steps)

My wife sent me a text message with this quote. And I really like it.

It’s the time of year where a lot of people set big goals for themselves. But most people (as many as 80-90% according to some studies) will have completely abandoned their New Year’s resolutions before the end of this month.

I think that’s because most people skip the middle part. They try to take action on a dream without breaking it down into a clear step-by-step plan for how they’ll accomplish that dream (…and by “they” I mean “I”).

That’s why this year I’m trying to keep things simple and actually work through the steps, one at a time.

Keep it simple, stupid

I’ve read 600 lbs. of business books and studied all sorts of frameworks. I know the first steps that I should take towards [name of ambitious goal here]. But I don’t take them because I start thinking too far ahead, anticipating complications, and try to figure stuff out before I need to figure it out.

I confess, I let pride get in the way too. Sometimes the solution seems “too simple.” And I’m better than that. I know it’s a proven method that’s propelled lots of other people to success, but I want to put my own spin on it. Make it more sophisticated. Hmmm… And if I’m going to do that slightly more complicated thing, then I’ll first need to do this other slightly more complicated thing…. [the sound of momentum leaking].

There’s also a bit of fear. If I get started, then what next? I don’t want to end up running out of gas and stranded on the way to my destination. Maybe it’s safer to just hang back here and work on some more conservative goals.

But instead of exchanging big goals for small ones (or not setting any goals at all out of fear of failure), we can chart an ambitious course, and use small stepping stone goals to help us get there.

Having support and accountability helps a lot too. I’m really thankful for people who have shared their knowledge in books and courses, the encouragement from peers, the coaching I’ve received, and especially my wife! Without other people nudging me, cheering me on, and calling me out when I drag my feet and make things too complicated, I would…. keep dragging my feet and make things too complicated.

So if you're feeling your New Year's resolutions already slipping away, don’t give up, and don’t scale down. Shoot for the moon, but focus on just achieving low-Earth orbit first. And bring a friend.