by guest blogger Dr. Sheri Prentiss

I used to have a habit of walking with my head down always deep in thought, planning my next move and sometimes very conscious of making a misstep. Then one day a stranger on the street yelled out to me and said, “Hey young lady, your future is too bright and your plans are too big for you to ever walk with your head hung low. Look up and see your wonderful life unfold, otherwise you’ll miss it.”

It’s possible you looked to the sky at the beginning of the year, saw great potential, set high goals or made New Year’s resolutions bigger and better than you ever did before. If you aren’t careful, you could be like I was and resume old habits of keeping your eye on your footsteps and losing focus of the big picture. I quickly learned that once you’re in the habit of looking up, you have a clearer view of any obstacles and you’re able to make sure your footsteps will lead you in the right direction. I encourage you to not fall back into old habits this year and to stop worrying about taking the wrong step. Instead, stay focused on the big picture, keep your head up and determine how you can make your goals your reality.

“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” Oprah Winfrey

Those who walk that extra mile and make an impact are the people who have goals. They set goals and don’t lose sight of them until they have achieved them. It has been only three months since you made those New Year’s promises to yourself. But I bet that some of you have already given up. That’s the thing about goals. Setting them is easy. Losing sight of them is easier.

I am not someone who achieves every goal she sets; I struggle and procrastinate too.

It happens all the time. Confronted with choice, we take the easy option. We do what’s convenient, rather than what’s required. We float, allowing ourselves to get carried away without getting anywhere, rather than pushing ourselves and swimming to the intended shore.

Life is like that. Tempting us continuously with comfortable but unproductive options – moving us away from the hard work required to achieve our goals.

As luck would have it, the path to your goals in life is often strewn with obstacles. It’s a bumpy ride. There may be roadblocks and hardships, but it’s often the only way to get to your goals. There will be exits tempting you to leave the chosen path and take another road. Don’t succumb to it. The nice easy road may look tempting – but remember to check if it will take you where you want to go.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my post tomorrow, when I’ll talk about some tips that have helped me reach my goals. In the meantime, leave your comments below about how you have set goals and achieved them.