It’s only been a day and I’ve already had to harness my willpower (big time) at times to stick to some of my goals. Why is resisting those carbs so hard? They say it’s not the destination but the journey. Yet, even though our intended destinations are clearly visible, the road can remain unclear. So what do you do when your goals are made, and it’s time to hit the road? What steps to you make to get to your destination? Do you go left or right in this journey of completion?

Whichever way you choose to travel to meet your goals, I suggest that you enjoy the journey. At times, you will face challenges as you try to capitalize what you have done in the past. At other times, you will find yourself traveling down another road which leads to a success that you did not anticipate. In any event, as long as you are pushing forward, you will find that you are one step closer to your destination. Stagnation is unacceptable.

As for me, I’ve made my goals and am moving forward, but wherever I end up, I’m choosing to get there by making bold choices. To take more risks and get a little further out of my comfort zone.  I encourage you to join me. As you continue on your journey, I want to leave you with these 5 ways to succeed your goals this year. In the past, I’ve found that these five tips have helped me in accomplishing my goals. Perhaps they will be useful for in you in your journey ahead.

Take risks

I just read an awesome quote on Pinterest, that said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” by Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor was onto something. How will you know anything if you don’t try? Test your limits. What’s the worse that can happen? If failure can only make your stronger, then that should give you the strength to take risks. When you are faced with a decision and are deliberating, if it feels right but you are scared, that is exactly where you should be. Do it.

Stay cool

Every time you make a decision, take on that project, or get that promotion, you are going to face difficulties. Anticipate this difficulties. You are also going to have adversaries. Know who they are. Just like you plan for the unexpected with your events, you have to prepare for the challenges that you will face on your journey. Preparation helps you to remain cool, calm, and collected. Sure, there will be challenges, but if you pause, stay cool, and plan the next step, you will move forward more quickly.

Celebrate small successes

Every step of the way celebrate. Did you send that email that you have been procrastinating on sending? Celebrate. Did you take a big risk? Celebrate it. Celebrating gives you motivation and encouragement to keep going, to move forward. Give yourself a pat on the back for moving one step towards your goal. If you need a little help in this area, align yourself with someone that is your biggest cheerleader. That person can help and encourage you to celebrate, and help motivate and inspire you to keep going.

If you prefer, you can also find an app to help you celebrate your goals. There are many to choose from. Enter your goals into these apps, and they can help you keep track and even celebrate your goals. Coach.me is a personal favorite as it helps encourage good habits, and also does a pretty good job celebrating with you in your success.

Leave breadcrumbs

It can be easy to forget what your goals are. During the year, other items become more of a priority, and life can take us on tangents that we did not expect. Then December comes around and we can’t help but wonder what steered us off-course. This is where breadcrumbs might come in handy. Little check-points throughout the year (quarterly might work best) that you can revisit your original goals, revise, and reposition yourself.

Leaving breadcrumbs for yourself can also showcase how far you have come. You’ve been celebrating along the way, but once you meet your goal, it can be amazing to look back and see how it all started. Some other ways to leave breadcrumbs might be through journaling, blogging, or vlogging your success along the way.

Stay humble

Although it is very easy to get caught up into your agenda for the year, it is very easy to overlook others. If things are going well for you, don’t taunt, tease, or flaunt. Sure you can be happy and celebrate! However realize that everyone has goals for their lives; and although you are meeting yours it is always important to be sensitive to others’.

There is a sensitivity around being humble that if portrayed correctly, can make your success multiply. You have many people in your circle, that look up to you, even when you think they aren’t. These are the very people that might be inspired by your success, and will use your example to create their own success. Staying humble, open, and approachable can be the pathway for others also change their lives.

Hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me! Have fun reaching your goals!