5 Steps to Turning Your Professional Goals Into Realities

When in pursuit of major goals, it can be very easy to get bogged down in set-backs, failed attempts, and obstacles. Having a big goal as your only end game can be extremely daunting, and can often lead to giving up. Here are 5 strategies for rethinking how we outline our professional goals to achieve success more quickly–without quite so much anxiety.

1. Make a perspective shift

When Thomas Edison said he came up with 10,000 ways how not to invent the light bulb, he didn’t classify himself as a failure times 10,000. He didn’t even view these 10,000 attempts as failures; they were merely ways of ruling out the wrong strategies. The moral here is to turn your failures into stepping stones toward your success. Reframe your minor stumbling blocks into paths forward, and keep your eye on the prize.

2. Sweat the small stuff

And by sweat we mean celebrate. In going after the big goals, it’s important to keep in mind that a certain amount of patience is required. These things don’t happen overnight. Rather than slog for years to get that big brass ring, why not take a little time out to celebrate the smaller victories along the way? The added boost can build up valuable momentum and can actually help you reach your end goals in better time.

3. Experience and show gratitude

The same goes for being grateful and appreciative of what we have achieved so far. It isn’t all or nothing. It’s important to stay humble and also to realize how much more we may have achieved or realized in our careers than others who never get the chance. It’s not all about the big goal. It’s important to appreciate the milestones along the way and show a little gratitude.

4. Set yourself up for success

It’s often the small, regular habits and routines that train our brains and work ethics to keep striving for success and moving forward. Make sure you’re building these habits into your workdays and goals lists. Good habits are just as hard to break!

5. Be in the present

It’s important to keep your eye on the future in setting your goals. But it’s also crucial not to lose track of the present moment. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t disregard any project because it seems insignificant compared to your ideal finale. Realize that it’s the combination of your efforts over the years that will make your success achievable. Remember: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Break your larger goals down into smaller, more manageable ones—and don’t forget to celebrate when you achieve them. Reward yourself; it will keep you going! Track your progress along the way towards your ultimate end goal. But do remember to keep things in the proper perspective. If you do all this, success will be within your reach, and the journey towards it will be much more enjoyable.