Persistence pays off for big goals

Sometimes our goals are big and long term, requiring persistent action over many years. Obtaining a college degree, for example, or studying for a professional certification, preparing for a new career or promotion, or creating a successful new business.

How do we keep these big goals in front of us? How do we keep taking action when we know the goal is years ahead of us? Perhaps it is the prize of reaching the goal. Perhaps it is the feeling of accomplishment as we reach intermediate goals and milestones.

Like short-term goals, long-term goals require planning out the steps and creating milestones. Break your big goal into smaller goals and milestones. For each short-term goal, plan out the action steps and implement your plan. After you reach the first goal, don't forget to celebrate. Then plan out the action steps for the next goal.

As you implement your plan, enjoy the journey. Keep the vision of success in front of you to keep you motivated, and be sure to celebrate the little successes and milestones along the way. If you run into setbacks or failures, just make readjustments and keep going.

What keeps you motivated and on track toward your long-term goals? Post your thoughts in the comment box below.