Take time to identify and examine your barriers, acknowledge them and then consider how to address them. This will help you to determine if you need to change your goal.

Are you being realistic? For example:

I’m too old! – This could be real for certain goals; wanting to climb mount Everest when you are 80 is maybe a little unrealistic. Although Yuichiro Miura did accomplish this, so nothing is impossible.

I can’t do it! – Negative self-talk. You need to look within and decide where this belief/habit comes from. Is it from past experience? is it from others telling you their opinions?

If your internal voice is positive, then the affect it has on how you see yourself and how much you value yourself is huge. The same can be said if your internal voice is negative. Start small with 5 things you like about yourself, repeat them over and over again and it will naturally improve your self-image an in-turn your self-esteem (how much you value and appreciate yourself).

You need to decide if you can turn a negative into a positive. What do you want to be true in the future? I can’t run a marathon yet, but I will in the future. I couldn’t run 5k a month ago but with a training plan, I can now; so with small steps I can achieve my goal.

Fear is real. Fear is scary! Fear is a barrier! - Facing our fears whatever they may be is a challenge. But fear can be overcome; it takes confidence, it take courage and it takes determination. If you’re facing your fears and trying to overcome them you are all of those things; confident, courageous and determined!

I’ve got no motivation – Motivation is ‘what drives you’ to behave in a certain way or to take a particular action. It is your WHY. Your why is the strongest reason for you to desire something. It is not what you desire but the strong reason you desire it.

Are you going to accept these barriers or are you going to challenge them? People can get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You can challenge and overcome them if you make the decision to do so, and take positive action.

Ask yourself, if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow?

A goal without a plan is just a wish!

Goals need to be realistic but that isn’t to say you can’t go big! If you have big goal to achieve then breaking this down so into mini goals (milestones) will help tremendously. It is vital that you recognise and celebrate these milestones, as this all contributes to boosting your motivation.

Plan and prioritize – you need to plan daily tasks to meet short term milestones and long term goals.

Task initiation – you need the ability to motivate yourself to begin the tasks by directing your behaviour and actions.

Organisation - keep track of where you are and where you want to be.

Think about what you want to achieve and be realistic.

Break down your milestones and celebrate them.

Avoid negative self-talk, your amazing, focus on the positives. Be confident and believe in yourself.

Involve friends with a positive outlook, they will encourage you on your journey.

Accept support, no man is an island!