I love goals. Even the lofty ones. Also the completely unattainable perfectionist ones.

Goals are a great destination point. They are there to be a star for you to follow on your path. But achieving the goal is never supposed to be the end. Once you get there, you enjoy it briefly and immediately move on to the next thing you want to achieve.

What we need to focus on is the journey to get to these goals. That is where we need to enjoy ourselves and steps to get there. Your being is already set to be the MOST HAPPY when you are striving, reaching and struggling for that goal.

How do you do that exactly though? How to be happy when you are not where you want to be?

First take baby steps.

You hear it all the time. Start small. The path becomes clear when you start. You have to just start somewhere. You may start somewhere that ends up not being right but that is ok. You won’t know that UNTIL YOU START. Clarity follows action. Action is starting. You want to be a better Mom? Make a choice to to take two minutes today and hug and snuggle your child? You want to me more successful? Read something that teaches you a skill you want. It doesn’t matter what it is. Break it down into manageable steps, tasks that you can do. Then you will see the next step. Do it again. And again.

Feel the joy AS YOU DO IT.

You have to see the happiness in everything around you. Look at the step that you take and feel pride for what you have accomplished OR feel pride for the lesson you learned. This is a hard thing to do. So many great people talk about this. Philosophers, writers, influencers and spiritual leaders all have a way to explain this. It begins with your mindset. The mental chatter that you hear and allow to talk to you. One way to change that mindset or begin to see the joy in everything is meditate. Meditation allows you to clear the mental junk out of the way and reset.

Practice gratitude.

See all the things for which you can be grateful. Waking up in the morning, your coffee, the weather and so much more. There are the small everyday things that you take for granted and then also the bigger more deep ones. For instance, the health of your family, your ability to think about these or your appreciation for nature. Gratitude will begin to change your mindset. Practicing gratitude will help you cope, change and grow. Use a journal. The effects are amazing.

I hope that this helps you with any goals you are trying to reach. This can help you with any problem and just give a base practice for your life.

How do you work towards your goals?