Success Is Your Destiny If You Make & Work a Plan

“Plan for the future because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.” Mark Twain

Do you have a written plan or a roadmap that spells out where you are headed? Having a clear plan keeps you mindful of how well you are progressing towards your goal. Even in the event of a detour, you will be able to map out an alternative route IF you are living and working from a plan. When you look at others who are successful and happy, they make plans and live life with intention and direction.

Today’s affirmation is designed to encourage you to take the reins, make smart plans for your future and live the life you were designed to live beginning today:

I make smart plans for my future. 

Success Is Your Destiny If You Make & Work a Plan. Here’s how I do it.

I like to live my life according to a plan. It is difficult to end up in a good place by accident. By having plans and goals, I increase the likelihood of having a wonderful life. I want my life to be an example of what is possible.

I choose to avoid living my life by default. I move toward something good, rather than move away from something painful. Just trying to avoid pain means I lack a plan.

I take the necessary time each week to re-evaluate my progress and make adjustments to my plans based on that evaluation. If I keep tweaking my approach, success is mine. Success is my destiny.

At night, I think about everything I did that day to put my plans into action. I ask myself how I can enhance my plan and the actions I am taking each day. I visualize being successful and fall asleep in the knowledge that I am actively bettering my life.

My plans for the future are thoughtful and intelligent. I put a lot of careful consideration into my goals. My goals are perfect for me. My plans are in line with my values and beliefs. I know my life is getting better as I take steps to follow my plans.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.           What are my three most important goals?

2.            What are my plans for achieving those goals?

3.            How much time do I spend each day toward achieving those goals?

 Today, I focus on my plans for the future. My renewed plans are congruent with my values. I am excited about what lies ahead. I make smart plans for my future.

 

Investing In Your Future Success May Require Short-Term Sacrifice

Your ability to delay gratification is one of the best indicators of how successful you will be over the long haul. When you develop the discipline to focus on your future goals, your day-to-day decisions and actions will shift and become fuel. This doesn’t mean ignoring the present or foregoing anything that gives you immediate pleasure, but investing in your future success might require short-term sacrifice.

It does mean striking the balance between the short term and the long term and making sure the decisions you make short term don’t hinder your long term success.

Today’s affirmation will help you stay focused beyond any short term sacrifices you may have to make so you can make your goals become your reality:

My eyes are on the future.

Directing my attention towards the time ahead changes the way I think. It becomes easier to resist temptations. I become more motivated to put forth my best effort. I clarify my goals.

At work, I seek opportunities to continue my education and receive training. I take initiative and assume greater responsibility.

My leisure time is devoted to activities that can reward me in the future. I may learn a new language or start a vegetable garden. I read inspiring books. I spend time with my family and friends, solidifying our relationship and making great memories for the years ahead.

Thinking about my financial goals encourages me to save money. I set up college funds for my children and put money aside for my retirement. I stick to my budget and make wise investments.

I examine how my actions affect my health. I know that regular exercise and a nutritious diet protect my heart and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

I am more successful because I look ahead.

My goals and the steps I need to take are firmly planted in my mind. I am able to track my progress and adjust my strategies when needed.

I am also more resilient. I understand that my circumstances are always changing.

During difficult times, I remind myself of all the good things that are awaiting me.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.            Why is it worthwhile to exchange short term gains for long term benefits?

2.            How can I balance living in the present and planning for my future?

3.            What are three lifestyle changes I can make today to enhance my future well-being?

Today, I embrace my future. I am eager to invest in my future and see what happens down the road.

 

How to Achieve Your Goals Whether Big or Small

No doubt, you are hearing a lot about goal setting right now. This is the time of year when almost everyone at least thinks about what they want to accomplish in the next 12 months. With so much focus and energy on goal setting, why will so few succeed in reaching their goals? 

I think it’s because the goals we tend to set our surface goals but not necessarily based on what we truly desire. It’s easy to get excited about a goal temporarily and even take a few steps towards making that goal a reality, but it takes more than that to consistently take the small and large steps necessary to actually achieve the goal once the initial excitement has worn off.

It’s the reason why you have to begin with your WHY. Why do you want to achieve the goal you’ve set for yourself? Does it really excite you and cause you to get up and do the necessary things day in and day out? If not, it may be a worthy goal but it may not be the right goal for you. Without true excitement and passion for achieving a goal, it’s very difficult to reach that goal – especially when your goal is a big one.

 Today’s affirmation is another that you will want to use throughout the year as your commitment to achieving your goal is tested. You can reconnect with the excitement and passion around your goal to keep you moving when you want to quit:

I am passionate about my goals.

 My passion drives me forward to live the life of my dreams. I know what I want in life and I set goals to get me there. I know that each goal I achieve brings me in union with what I desire. I feel truly invigorated with each success!

Meeting a goal, no matter how big or small, strengthens my confidence and self-esteem. I enjoy these feelings and strive to receive them as often as possible.

Setting and achieving goals is a never-ending circle of positivity that fuels my passion even more. My passion encourages me to persevere over obstacles and it is replenished and increased with every goal I complete.

My passion enables my success. I use tools to ignite and refuel my passion on a daily basis, even when I face challenges that try to smother it.

My tools include affirmations to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, meditation to relax and rejuvenate my energy, and notes and pictures to inspire and remind me of my goals.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1.  Am I passionate about my goals?
2. Where can I find additional inspiration?
3. What task can I achieve today to fuel my passion and get me back on track toward my goals?

Today, I choose to feel inspired by my passions and let the excitement propel me forward to achieve my goals, regardless of any challenges that may arise.