7 Steps to Achieve Your Dream

“The secret to change is one step at a time.” —Mark Twain

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who accept their life, and those who lead their life. Some people just get up, look at their life and hope something good will happen but the people falling in the second category believe in “I can and I must achieve what I want to.” Here are seven important steps that will help you achieve your dreams:

1. Start with the end in mind

Determine your goals and ask yourself: Where do I want to be next year? What do I need to do to accomplish these goals? Your answers instantly become your learning agenda.

2. Assess the skills or knowledge you’ll need

Some goals won’t require new skills or knowledge, but others will. What specific skills are needed to make your dream(s) come true? What skills that you already possess would you like to improve by 25 percent within the next year?

3. Explore the best sources

Is it going back to school? Enrolling in a training course offered by your employer? Developing a relationship with mentors and/or co-workers who can teach you skills or give you insights? Look for that optimal source for every skill you decide you need to learn.

4. Create your learning agenda

You now have the information, so start creating your learning plan. It should lay out the skills and knowledge you need to acquire. It should include a timeline of where and when you will go about it. And it should be in writing, on no more than one page. It’s too easy to lose your “ball” in the weeds.

5. Begin with the most important

Don’t start with the hardest or the easiest. What is the most important thing you can do right now? Evaluate and then rank them according to value. Enrol your action plan into M.I.T. (Most Important Thing).

6. Get moving.

Execute. What is your W.O.W. (Within One Week)? What step will you commit to this next week?

7. Identify your limiting beliefs

We all have them. When you identify them, they begin to lose their power. Don’t doubt your dream.
I’m too young.
I’m too old.
I don’t have the time.
I don’t have the money.
I never follow through.
Someday I’ll…

Every time you do something you didn’t think you could do, your confidence is built. Action leads to confidence more than confidence leads to action.

Confidence = Positive Self-regard + Competence

One without the other will not equate to confidence. You need to build on both. And it’s not an overnighter. It’s day in and day out — building one day at a time.

These steps will become part of your Doubt-Removal System. This will shift your mindset, and this action will deal with your limiting beliefs.