You are gliding across the hockey field of life. Full speed to your goal. The puck is under your power, your vision is crystal clear. Success is ensured. Or is it?

A goal is in your mind while the goalie will stop at nothing to make sure you don’t succeed.

You both have trained for this moment.

The key to a successful goal is more than position and strength. It starts before your blades touch the ice. You must know your goalie and counteract because your life goals are on the line.

You want to write a book? Paint magnificent art? Solve complex mathematical equations? Move into a better neighborhood?

Look the goalie in the eye and snarl!

However, it takes more than a grimace to proceed.

You need a plan.

Plans are hard. They require thought. You will need to “gasp” write them down. Don’t merely chat and talk your way into a goal-grab a pencil, an app, a keyboard and write. Make it real. Feel the words flow from your mind as their reality enters your realm. The goalie is perplexed at your writing, but not deterred.

A goal needs action as a game plan needs practice. Place your goal in a prominent place in your life. If that means the bathroom mirror written in shaving cream, so be it. Go crazy and put each word on a post-it note to create a pathway to your front door. You need to see your goal. The goalie sees your action and is planning accordingly.

Everyone is asking you about your new jersey. You know, the one you had professionally screen-printed with your goal written in big bold letters. They are asking you how it’s going. Don’t go blank at this point, because the goalie is now staring you in the eye.

Written words can only get you so far in life. Action is required. The things that seem the most unobtainable can be made achievable with small steps. Break your goal down. Set up your play. Oh, my! I think I saw the goalie flinch!!

Your skidding into final position  You know your goal, you have your game plan, you will not waver. However, life is not a hockey game. More is needed. Revision. The goalie flinched, detoured action. The game is not over.

Look at your goals regularly. Ask yourself if you are making the proper action steps to their completion, if not then modify. If you are on the right track, continue your path. Seconds now separate you from the menacing goalie.

A book deal! A masterpiece of art! Calculus completed! A new home!

SCORE!

The goalie is stunned.

Preparation and action were on your side. You did not give up! You regrouped when the odds were against you. You seized opportunities when they arose. Congratulations, goal competed.

Now, go wash your bathroom mirror and clean up those post-it notes. A new goal is lingering on the sidelines.

 

What game plan do you have to reach your goals?