The first two letters of the word goal are go. So release the emergency brake and put your goal in gear by taking that all – important first step.

To some extent, just having a clearly stated goal helps you reach it. If you put in a little effort, however, you’ll reach much farther. Here are some examples of first steps. Once you get going, you build immediate momentum. It is the first step that is the hardest.

Goal                                                                              First Step

Learn to dance, cook                                         Sign up for a class

Clean and organize your home                      Set a date for a party, send invitations

Lose ten pounds                                                Use nonfat milk in your coffee

Change jobs                                                        Update your résumé

Be a better husband                                         Send flowers today, do the cooking

Be a better boss                                                 Compliment someone for a job well done

Improve your attitude                                     Smile at everyone you meet

Change the world                                             Buy a recycling bin and recycle plastics

Get in better shape                                           Find a gym partner and meet three times this                                                                                 week

Try investing ten minutes a day in your goal.  It will all add up over the long haul. Inch by inch.

You don’t have to work on just one goal at a time, either.  Switch off between goals. Try to set them up so that no matter what you are doing, you are working toward one of your goals.