The thing about goals is that in order to get them done one must buckle down and tackle them. It’s all too easy to keep putting them off. I’m too tired. I had a busy day. Visiting with family and friends is more important. I needed to do chores…or buy groceries…or pay bills. The list of reasons to put off the deed goes on and on and on. But, buckling down is the only way to tackle goals.

Before I continue, let me say that I am talking about goals, big or little, or what might be called a to-do list. Whether it is a to-do list or a goal list, these items are things we want to accomplish. The list can be life goals, career goals, general goals, everyday goals – or “to-dos.” Whatever it is that you want to buckle down and tackle, this blog is to get us thinking about how we can take that list – sometimes overflowing – and knock it out.

So, how does one do this? How does one tackle the goals that need to be done? In my case, I usually start with a list of the pros and cons for each goal. Goals cannot just stay in one’s mind to be continuously mulled over. Each goal must be written down so that it can be analyzed and determined if it is really a goal or just an idea of a goal, or maybe even a wish that may not be fully developed to be called a goal.

So, let’s start with a list of what must be done before we can even tackle our goals:

• Start your list by either writing or typing each goal, leaving room enough for pros and cons and other important notes.
• Next, for each goal, give the reason you want to achieve it. If you cannot think of a reason, take it off the list. You do not need the stress of trying to achieve a goal without a primary reason for it.
• Then, for each goal you have added, list as many pros and cons as you can think of.
• Look at each goal. If the pros outweigh the cons, keep it on the list. If the cons outweigh the pros, remove the goal. No one needs a goal on their list with more cons than pros. Later, after you have tackled your final list of goals, if that goal keeps arising in your mind, you can add it back then and reassess it.
• Now, for each goal you have kept on your list, write down what it will take to get it done. Be as detailed as you can be.
• Last, but not least, before moving on, put your goals in order.

Now, what does your list of goals look like? Do you feel good about your list? Are your goals achievable? When you are done with your list of goals, you should have one that seems manageable and will give you a feeling of accomplishment when done.

So, the next step if, or when, you take the time to follow this formula, is to start with the first goal on your list. How can you get it done? What do you need to do to get it marked off your list? How much time will it take? Can you get it done in one day? Is there any prep work involved? If so, what? And, can you do the prep work the day before?

All these questions will help to achieve our goals. I have found that if goals are written and broken down, then any goal can be done much quicker than just thinking about it. Seeing it in black and white or pen on paper will make it real and give you a better sense about whether you can get it done or not. Or, if you really even want or need to tackle it.

In my case, I have a second book to type up. So, this Friday, as soon as my lunch is eaten, I will trek upstairs to my desktop and start typing it up. But, before I do that, a few evenings before I will format my pages with proper margins, headings, and page numbering. This is so Friday will go much easier, a valued lesson I learned from typing up my first book.

I have other goals, mostly all related to writing or promoting my current book. But, this one is currently my biggest priority. In order to move forward, I must stop letting other, just as important, things in my life keep me from buckling down on my goal of getting book number two published.

So, tell me, how about you? What are some goals in your life that you want to accomplish? Are there any that keep coming to mind but keep getting pushed back down? Whatever they are, write them down, if you have not already done so. Make your goals real and, thereby, easier to tackle.

It is my hopes that something I’ve written will help you to buckle down and get your goals tackled. Everyone should be able to figure out what goals are important, worth tackling, and then finally,…get them checked off that goal list. Let’s do it!

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If you are looking for some inspiration to help with inspiration or motivation, perhaps my first book, “HONOR ONE ANOTHER: The ABCs of Embracing Our Spirit Within,” is just what you need to read. Check it out on Amazon. It also makes a great gift for the book lovers in your life. Thanks so much.