Taking the first step towards our intentions, goals, and ideas to reality. However, the chasm between thinking and doing can be insurmountable. By taking an action towards your dream and goals you build the bridge to turn them into existence. Many of my clients get stuck in their ideas, dreams, goals and seek coaching to break through and find success. It’s normal for us to get stuck and getting support is a key step for success. I get support from coaches as well to move forward when I’m stuck.
How do we move from intention to execution? Here are practical steps for taking action, getting inspired, overcoming procrastination, and making progress towards your goals, ideas and intentions. YOU CAN DO IT!
1. Set A Clear Vision
The first step is to know what we are intending for an outcome. Take a moment to envision what it is you want. Utilize your creative mind to see and feel it. The more detailed your vision of what success looks like the clearer your vision is.
Write this down or draw it.
My vision is to make progress on my next memoir – Eldercare Nightmare: Mission of Love. I’ve put it on the backburner and it’s time to get back to writing. I’m ready.
2. Write out the main Goal
Now that you have a vision it’s time to set the goal. Setting the goal that is clear, specific and has an outcome that you can define is key.
For example- I will write on Tuesdays is too vague – there is no time or page/word count defined. It’s too easy to blow it off (and I do). I will complete my blog on Tuesday between 9-10am is more specific and it’s can be blocked in my calendar.
3. Break Goal into Smaller Pieces
Large goals can be overwhelming and too daunting. So many clients have amazing goals but often feel paralyzed by their big goal. The key is to break down your big goal into smaller, bite-sized tasks that are easier to tackle. Think of the first step towards your goal. That’s the first goal. Then the next, and so on.
Example: If your goal is to write a book. A great place to start is, start determine the theme, then outlining chapters, then commit to a regular writing schedule. If you write a page weekly you’ll have 52 pages in a year. Over time, these small steps = a completed book. My overwhelming goal is to complete my 2nd memoir. I’ve realized it’s going to be a two-part book – first one Mom and eldercare/hospice focused and 2nd Dad focused and his dementia journey. Just breaking it into two books was a huge relief.
4. Set SMART Goals
I’ve set SMART goals for my entire professional life and it’s how I get things done. I’ve coached many people about utilizing SMART goals to get things done.
SMART Goals are:
• Specific: Clearly & concise what it is you want to accomplish
• Measurable: How can you measure progress/completion
• Achievable: The goal is realistic and attainable
• Relevant: Your goal aligns with your big goal and overall intentions
• Time-bound: A deadline can create a sense of urgency and give you a when I complete this then I can move to the next goal.
Example: I want to finish my memoir by 2025 is too vague and overwhelming. I will write a chapter each month is better. I will write chapter 8 on Tuesdays between 9-11am every other week to complete chapter 8 by end of September is a SMART goal. I can measure it.
5. Create an Action Plan
Now that you have SMART goals the next step is to put them into action = action plan.
An action plan takes your goal to the next level. It’s the micro steps to accomplishing your goal. It’s important to utilize milestones and micro deadlines to keep the progress moving forward. Seeing progress helps our brain to want to make more progress.
Utilize tools like your calendar to time-block and plan. You can use spreadsheets to track your steps or project management tools. To do lists or task lists can be of support as well. Set up reminders. I use my calendar to time block, set up reminders and a writing outline for what I want to accomplish so I don’t spend time wondering what I’m going to do in my time block.
6. Take the First Step
Now you have everything planned out and detailed. Don’t stop here! You might not ever find the right mood, perfect moment, or feel 100% ready. That’s normal and move through it. Take the first step any step forward. Once you get going often you’ll find momentum to keep going.
Example: If you want to write. Determine if you’re going to write by hand in a notebook or use a digital tool. Pick it and start writing. Even if it’s just words on a page. For me it’s chapter 8. Start writing, just write. Editing can happen later. Just do something!
7. Hold Yourself Accountable and Find an Accountability Buddy
Accountability is crucial for maintaining momentum. Share your goals with a colleague, friend, join a group with similar objectives, or use apps that track your progress.
Example: Joining a writing group greatly improved my own writing, held me accountable to writing and has been super supportive to the writing process. I’ve shared this goal in this blog so I’ve put it out there. You can help hold me accountable.
8. Remain Flexible and Adaptable
Life often don’t always go as planned, and that’s normal. When life gives you, lemons make lemonade. Be prepared to adapt your action plan as needed. If you encounter obstacles, view them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than reasons to give up.
Regularly review your goals and adjust to what makes sense in this time now. Flexibility is key to staying on track without getting discouraged. Maybe it’s not now but later. Set a new time for getting it done.
9. Celebrate Your Wins
It’s critical to acknowledge your efforts and progress. Taking action takes courage, perseverance and is hard work. Celebrate your successes, big and small. When we acknowledge and celebrate we’re receiving positive reinforcement to keep us motivated and moving forward with our goals.
Example: When you reach a milestone, take a moment to acknowledge you did it! High five yourself. You can reward yourself with something you enjoy and it doesn’t have to cost money or be food. Music, dancing, taking a break, having some fun. Whatever celebration looks like to you.
Now you have a step by step guide to help you take your dreams and goals into reality. It’s the bridge between thoughts and accomplishments.
Remember, the journey begins with a single step. Do something towards your goal. Take an action no matter how small.
Do it today, and see how far you get!
Let me know how this works for you. Also, if you want to help hold me accountable to my writing – send me a note or text – I’d appreciate the support.
If you or someone you know would like support taking action, building resilience, career development, change, or has been knocked down reach out and contact me. I provide a safe place to find courage and live boldly.
Latest Client Wins: “The tools you shared really helped me at work.”, “I’m better able to deal with tough conversations and conflict – thank you.”, “The prioritization and project management tools have helped my team to shine and we’re getting noticed by the executive team.”, “I worked on my boundaries and was able to stand firm when push back happened.” So proud of my clients and the hard work they do. Look at them taking action and accomplishing their goals and more!
I have a waitlist for clients. I have space for 2 additional clients in September. If you or someone you know would like support in your career, taking action, becoming resilient and bouncing back, please contact me. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Follow me on social media for insightful contemplation prompts, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Taking action on writing my memoir!
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
How do we move from intention to execution? Here are practical steps for taking action, getting inspired, overcoming procrastination, and making progress towards your goals, ideas and intentions. YOU CAN DO IT!
1. Set A Clear Vision
The first step is to know what we are intending for an outcome. Take a moment to envision what it is you want. Utilize your creative mind to see and feel it. The more detailed your vision of what success looks like the clearer your vision is.
Write this down or draw it.
My vision is to make progress on my next memoir – Eldercare Nightmare: Mission of Love. I’ve put it on the backburner and it’s time to get back to writing. I’m ready.
2. Write out the main Goal
Now that you have a vision it’s time to set the goal. Setting the goal that is clear, specific and has an outcome that you can define is key.
For example- I will write on Tuesdays is too vague – there is no time or page/word count defined. It’s too easy to blow it off (and I do). I will complete my blog on Tuesday between 9-10am is more specific and it’s can be blocked in my calendar.
3. Break Goal into Smaller Pieces
Large goals can be overwhelming and too daunting. So many clients have amazing goals but often feel paralyzed by their big goal. The key is to break down your big goal into smaller, bite-sized tasks that are easier to tackle. Think of the first step towards your goal. That’s the first goal. Then the next, and so on.
Example: If your goal is to write a book. A great place to start is, start determine the theme, then outlining chapters, then commit to a regular writing schedule. If you write a page weekly you’ll have 52 pages in a year. Over time, these small steps = a completed book. My overwhelming goal is to complete my 2nd memoir. I’ve realized it’s going to be a two-part book – first one Mom and eldercare/hospice focused and 2nd Dad focused and his dementia journey. Just breaking it into two books was a huge relief.
4. Set SMART Goals
I’ve set SMART goals for my entire professional life and it’s how I get things done. I’ve coached many people about utilizing SMART goals to get things done.
SMART Goals are:
• Specific: Clearly & concise what it is you want to accomplish
• Measurable: How can you measure progress/completion
• Achievable: The goal is realistic and attainable
• Relevant: Your goal aligns with your big goal and overall intentions
• Time-bound: A deadline can create a sense of urgency and give you a when I complete this then I can move to the next goal.
Example: I want to finish my memoir by 2025 is too vague and overwhelming. I will write a chapter each month is better. I will write chapter 8 on Tuesdays between 9-11am every other week to complete chapter 8 by end of September is a SMART goal. I can measure it.
5. Create an Action Plan
Now that you have SMART goals the next step is to put them into action = action plan.
An action plan takes your goal to the next level. It’s the micro steps to accomplishing your goal. It’s important to utilize milestones and micro deadlines to keep the progress moving forward. Seeing progress helps our brain to want to make more progress.
Utilize tools like your calendar to time-block and plan. You can use spreadsheets to track your steps or project management tools. To do lists or task lists can be of support as well. Set up reminders. I use my calendar to time block, set up reminders and a writing outline for what I want to accomplish so I don’t spend time wondering what I’m going to do in my time block.
6. Take the First Step
Now you have everything planned out and detailed. Don’t stop here! You might not ever find the right mood, perfect moment, or feel 100% ready. That’s normal and move through it. Take the first step any step forward. Once you get going often you’ll find momentum to keep going.
Example: If you want to write. Determine if you’re going to write by hand in a notebook or use a digital tool. Pick it and start writing. Even if it’s just words on a page. For me it’s chapter 8. Start writing, just write. Editing can happen later. Just do something!
7. Hold Yourself Accountable and Find an Accountability Buddy
Accountability is crucial for maintaining momentum. Share your goals with a colleague, friend, join a group with similar objectives, or use apps that track your progress.
Example: Joining a writing group greatly improved my own writing, held me accountable to writing and has been super supportive to the writing process. I’ve shared this goal in this blog so I’ve put it out there. You can help hold me accountable.
8. Remain Flexible and Adaptable
Life often don’t always go as planned, and that’s normal. When life gives you, lemons make lemonade. Be prepared to adapt your action plan as needed. If you encounter obstacles, view them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than reasons to give up.
Regularly review your goals and adjust to what makes sense in this time now. Flexibility is key to staying on track without getting discouraged. Maybe it’s not now but later. Set a new time for getting it done.
9. Celebrate Your Wins
It’s critical to acknowledge your efforts and progress. Taking action takes courage, perseverance and is hard work. Celebrate your successes, big and small. When we acknowledge and celebrate we’re receiving positive reinforcement to keep us motivated and moving forward with our goals.
Example: When you reach a milestone, take a moment to acknowledge you did it! High five yourself. You can reward yourself with something you enjoy and it doesn’t have to cost money or be food. Music, dancing, taking a break, having some fun. Whatever celebration looks like to you.
Now you have a step by step guide to help you take your dreams and goals into reality. It’s the bridge between thoughts and accomplishments.
Remember, the journey begins with a single step. Do something towards your goal. Take an action no matter how small.
Do it today, and see how far you get!
Let me know how this works for you. Also, if you want to help hold me accountable to my writing – send me a note or text – I’d appreciate the support.
If you or someone you know would like support taking action, building resilience, career development, change, or has been knocked down reach out and contact me. I provide a safe place to find courage and live boldly.
Latest Client Wins: “The tools you shared really helped me at work.”, “I’m better able to deal with tough conversations and conflict – thank you.”, “The prioritization and project management tools have helped my team to shine and we’re getting noticed by the executive team.”, “I worked on my boundaries and was able to stand firm when push back happened.” So proud of my clients and the hard work they do. Look at them taking action and accomplishing their goals and more!
I have a waitlist for clients. I have space for 2 additional clients in September. If you or someone you know would like support in your career, taking action, becoming resilient and bouncing back, please contact me. Let’s have a conversation to see how I can be of support.
Follow me on social media for insightful contemplation prompts, tips, and motivational quotes.
Peace, and blessings,
Teresa – Taking action on writing my memoir!
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, PCC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of:
- Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
- The First Days: Coping with Life after Loss (updated 2nd edition)
- Explorations into the Being and Doing of Coaching: A collection of voices, insights, and wisdom from Austin area coaches
- My Journey as a Widow: A Widow’s First Journal
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