Have you ever dreamt of scaling Mount Everest, only to realize you haven’t even conquered the stairs in your apartment building lately? Setting goals is fantastic, but let’s be honest, aiming for the moon when you’re still mastering basic household chores can be a recipe for discouragement.

I get it. I once envisioned myself writing a captivating novel within a month. Turns out, conjuring compelling characters and crafting intricate plots requires more than just enthusiasm and a bag of gummy bears (although, the gummy bears definitely helped with the brainstorming process).

That’s where the concept of attainable goals comes in. Think of them as stepping stones – they help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, without leaving you dangling precariously over a vast chasm of self-doubt.

Here’s my story, as a graphic designer with a burning desire to improve my illustration skills. i dreamt of creating stunning artwork for children’s books, but staring at a blank canvas filled me with more dread than inspiration.

Instead of diving headfirst into a complex children’s book illustration, I took a step back.  Here’s how she approached setting attainable goals:

• I assessed my resources. I realized I had a basic understanding of drawing but lacked experience with digital tools.
• I broke it down. Instead of aiming for a full-fledged illustration, I set a goal to learn a new digital art technique every week.
• I embraced the SMART approach. My first goal was specific – “master line art using digital brushes.” It was measurable – I could track my progress by practicing specific exercises. It was attainable – there were plenty of online tutorials available. It was relevant to my overall dream, and I set a deadline of two weeks.

By following these steps, I transformed my overwhelming goal into a series of achievable milestones. Each new technique learned was a victory, boosting my confidence and propelling me closer to my ultimate dream. Soon you see my books

Remember, the journey towards your goals is just as important as the destination.  Here are some tips to keep you motivated along the way:

• Find your support crew. Share your goals with friends, family, or online communities. Their encouragement can be a powerful motivator.
• Embrace flexibility. Life happens! Be prepared to adjust your goals as needed, but don’t give up entirely.
• Celebrate every step. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Treat yourself to a reward for reaching a milestone – that extra slice of cake is totally justified!

So, ditch the “all or nothing” mentality and embrace attainable goals.  They’ll be your launchpad, propelling you towards achieving your dreams, one achievable step at a time.

Now, who’s ready to conquer that first step? You are!