This post is a continuation on the series on goal setting and for those still working on their New Year’s resolutions.   I wonder how many are left.

The first success key to actually achieving your goals, discussed in an earlier post, was to be committed.   Today’s post talks about the second success key: creating a realistic plan.

You need to come up with a realistic plan to help you achieve your goals.   To demonstrate, let’s continue with the example of losing weight as the New Year’s resolution.   Most of us have unrealistic expectations and put too much pressure on ourselves.   Basically we set ourselves up for failure.Instead of thinking that you have to lose 50 pounds (which many people think is too unbelievable), say to yourself that I am going to lose one pound this week.   One pound a week divided by seven days is just over 2 ounces a day.   That is believable – and very achievable!   I think it was Jim Rohn, the motivational speaker, who said: “Inch by inch it’s a cinch.  Yard by yard it’s hard.”

Create a weight loss schedule and an achievable diet and exercise plan.   Schedule your exercise times into your day and guard them religiously.   If you don’t stand up for what you need, then you are allowing circumstances to dictate what your life is going to be like.   There is always a way – if you are committed enough!

If your family and friends are supportive, tell them about your goals.   They can provide encouragement and reinforce your commitment to change.   Sometimes, they are not supportive though.  I f that is the case, don’t share with them because they will weaken your resolve.   If necessary, seek professional help to assist you.   This is especially true if you are eating for emotional reasons and don’t know how to resolve them.

Start and end every day by visualizing yourself already enjoying the positive end results you want.   That will strengthen your resolve to do what you need to do that day in order to reach your goal.   At the end of the day, review how you did and either reward yourself or recommit for the next day.

In the next post, we will talk about the third success key: Be Prepared for Setbacks.   Until then, Be Committed to your goal and Create a Realistic Plan.