"The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit."

Achieving your goals is without a doubt a fulfilling and empowering experience. It is something we all strive to do smoothly, but can often be left feeling overwhelmed and confused. Whether you want to start a new venture, delve into mastering a new hobby, or simply be more organised in your day to day, having a plan in place to guide you can be the key to success. In order to reach your desired goals, it's essential to first and foremost set intentions and then create a plan. This, followed by small consistent steps, will be the building blocks for success towards your goals.

Wondering how to get started? Here are 8 simple steps to help guide you:

Step 1: Identify your goals

The first step in achieving your goals is to identify what you want to achieve. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the rest of the process. Write down your goals, big or small. What do you want to achieve? What is important to you? What are your priorities? Spend some time thinking about what you want to accomplish and make sure they align with your values and purpose in life. Make sure your goals are specific, achievable, and measurable. This will give you a clear roadmap for what you want to achieve and help you stay focused.

Step 2: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
Once you have identified your goals, the next step is to set clear and specific intentions. Make a list of the tasks you need to complete to reach each goal and prioritise them based on their importance and urgency. This will help you stay organised and make progress on your goals one step at a time. 

For optimal effectiveness, make sure your tasks are:

• Clear: Be specific about what you want to achieve.
• Positive: Frame your intentions in a positive light.
• Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress.
• Timeline: Give yourself a deadline for each task. Don’t feel discouraged if there are delays. This is normal. 

Step 3: Create a realistic schedule.
Having a schedule is crucial when it comes to reaching your goals. When you have a plan in place, it makes it easier to stay on track and ensure that you are making progress towards your goals. Make a realistic schedule for each day or each week, and stick to it as much as possible. This is where discipline and routine will help you move along. If you need to, schedule time for yourself to focus on your goals and make sure nothing else interferes.

 Your Schedule should include:

• A clear & well-defined roadmap with smaller, manageable tasks.
• Identify the resources you need to complete each task.
• Assign a timeline for each task.

Step 4: Take action

Once you have a plan and a schedule, it's time to take action. Start by completing the first task on your list and then work your way through the rest of the list. Keep in mind that progress is a journey, and just because it’s taking time, doesn’t mean you won’t achieve it. So celebrate your progress and acknowledge your efforts, even if they seem small!

Step 5: Surround yourself with supportive people.
Having supportive people in your life can make a huge difference when it comes to reaching your goals and staying focused and motivated. It's easy to get side-tracked or discouraged, but it's important to keep your eyes on the prize and remember why you started this journey in the first place. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will encourage and motivate you, and who believe in what you are trying to achieve. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Having a good support system in place can make a big difference when it comes to reaching your goals.

Step 6: Keep track of your progress.
Keeping track of your progress is a great way to stay motivated, on track and an essential part of the goal-setting process. It allows you to see how far you've come and what you need to do to get to the next step. Whether you use a journal, a spreadsheet, or a simple piece of paper, make sure you are tracking your progress towards your goals. Seeing how far you have come can be a great motivator and can help you stay focused and committed. 

Step 7: Celebrate your successes.
Reaching your goals is not an easy process, and it is important to celebrate your successes along the way. No matter how small your achievements may be, it's important to take the time to acknowledge them. This will help keep you motivated and on track and will make the journey towards your goals a more enjoyable one. So, keep a note of what you have already accomplished and praise yourself! 

Step 8: Be flexible.
Finally, be flexible and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if necessary. Life is unpredictable, and things may not always go as planned. If you need to change your plans or modify your approach, don’t be afraid to do so. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and stay focused on what you want to achieve.

Reaching your goals is a journey. The key is to stay organised, focused, and have a well-defined plan in place that you can realistically follow. Setting intentions and achieving your goals requires a clear understanding of what you want to achieve followed by consistent effort. The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Success comes from what small steps you take regularly. If at any point you are feeling lost & overwhelmed, refer back to this editorial to help you find your footing again :)

During the process, don't forget to plan in well deserved nourishing breaks! And in good time, by following this step by step guide, we are sure that you can set yourself up for success and reach the goals you have for yourself. You have what it takes! So get started today and see where your journey takes you!