When motivated to do something. No matter the goal. Start writing. Sticky note, margins of your calendar. Type it in and post it somewhere.  Wherever! I like a journal.

Why do this? To make it concrete. Taking the idea from your mind to the paper is a great way to solidify your resolve.

You’ve probably heard it before. Motivation only gets you so far. Making a plan or writing your ideas down can really help you when motivation is lacking.  Since motivation is fleeting we can’t rely on it when it’s really time to dig in and do the hardest work. When would this hardest work be required? Well, on those days when you don’t want to get out of bed or go to the gym or do the grocery shopping. Having your ultimate goals written down somewhere is a reminder that it isn’t just a thought.  A fleeting motivation. Your goals, whether it’s next week, a 5 year goal or something even further off are worth the dedication and work it’s going to take to get there.

Committing to a process instead of just relying on a simple motivation is how we effectively work towards big and small goals when thing get difficult.

So, write it down.

Sticky notes on your mirror, whiteboard on your fridge, a exhaustive list that has them all in a “bucket list” style. Every. Single. Day in your journal. The same 5 goals repeated written out like a punishment for Bart Simpson.

Even if you don’t have a plan for each goal and some are far off, at least you will see your desires for something better or different.  Your brain will process that information consciously and subconsciously day after day. Put it somewhere where you will read it and re-write it often.