Whenever we start something new such as a business, relationship, or promotion,  we are so excited and passionate about the creative work that we make lists upon lists of tasks and ideas to ensure nothing is missed. When I decided to start my own business, I had a journal full of pages with scratch notes, bullet points, and no real organization or action. All of a sudden my creative workload piled up on top of me creating anxiety, frustration, and plateaus in my entrepreneurship. I was consistently exhausted and dissatisfied with where I was in my process. I craved to be at point B before I was even finished with point A. Know the feeling?

Most of the time, even if you are a super perfectionist, highly organized, or type A individual, when you take on a new project or change careers, you have to be realistic with the logistics and situational circumstances of your life during the time of transition. There are steps that need to be taken before you start seeing results. Everyone needs to learn 1,2,3's before fractions, right? As you approach your goals, business, or leadership skills, you have the ability to create an actionable itemized plan to set you up for success toward your goals, but enjoy the process rather than the prize.

Here are some ways to get started with your point A without getting overwhelmed that you are not at point B (YET):

1. VISUALIZE & IDEATE

   1. Acknowledge what it is you really want. You can begin your visualization practice for multiple categories in your life such as business, health, family, and personal projects. Take a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and envision your dream scenario for one or each of these. As you breathe, dissect the images and statements that pop up in your head. Note the environment, people, tastes, smells, and feelings. Write down or draw everything that you saw in your mind's eye. Write down ideas, creative samples, and anything that applies to your BIG BRIGHT vision.

2. CREATE YOUR MISSION STATEMENT:

   1. Once you have a picture in your mind, journal and write down your purpose for beginning this process. Who are you trying to serve? What do you want as a result for your business, clients, or relationships? What words pop up in which you want to embody and live by? Start to filter down your thoughts into a clear sentence or statement. Make it a concise, clear, and though-provoking so that when your client reads it they feel the embodiment and foundation of your intentions, values, and goals.

3. SOLIDIFY YOUR GOALS

   1. It's easy to get wrapped up in the vision and overanalyze every tiny thing that you need to do to get to that finish line. Allow the visualization to be your platform and foundation for your NOW so that you can take specific and doable action.

      1. Work backwards. Start with your vision and mission statement and jot down action-items that you know need to happen in order for the vision to occur.

      2. Prioritize. Once you jot down all of your action-items, take a look at the most immediate action items that need to occur. Start to number them from "most important" to "down the road important".

4. TAKE ACTION THE SMART WAY

   1. Once you have prioritized and itemized the actions that need to be done, bring them to life in a realistic and doable timeline in your current situation. Have fun with this. In moments of doubt, or when you are putting a timeline or date on a goal, come back to your intention, core values, and mission statement.

   2. Goal Map: Make Yearly, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Goals according to your ideation session. To ensure that this is an actionable plan and not just another list, make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely (SMART). If you work a part-time job in addition to your new business, ensure that you set goals that are realistic with your schedule that will still allow for balance and self-care. Give yourself honest feedback on how SMART the goals are.

      1. Example Big Vision Goal: I want to market my website to get more online clients.

      2. SMART Goal Plan:

         1. Quarterly Goal-June 30th - Launch website to the public and market on facebook, google ads, and instagram accounts

         2. Month Goal- June 1st-content, pictures, logo, & web design completed and given to 3 friends for feedback to implement

         3. Weekly Goals-

            1. May 16th-have text and formatting complete

            2. May 8th- have logo, page templates, and pictures uploaded to site

            3. May 1st-purchased a domain name and website platform.

            4. April 22nd-researched the domain name list and like-minded business websites

         4. Daily Goal- work on content, design, and research every Tuesday and Thursday starting April 1st from 2-4pm

5. READY, SET, GO!

   1. Take a look at your big goal sheet and start with your daily and weekly goals.

      1. Find a planner or an online app that suits your goal needs. Write down your benchmark reminders, set alerts in your phone, and get an accountability buddy or coach. You can make a thousand lists, however until your thoughts become action, the lists and ideas will just stay on paper. Allow this to be a living breathing way of life for your goals, dreams, and business.

6. RINSE AND REPEAT!

   1. Goals fluctuate and change. Maybe you notice that some of your goals have not been met. Can you redefine the goal, adjust, and set so that this process becomes habit. Whenever we start a new ritual, it typically takes around 21 days for the human mind and body to make it a habit. Continue to repeat this process until it becomes part of your routine. Individualize as you go, give yourself feedback, and hold yourself accountable.