If you look at achievers and those who failed to “get there,” you would see the former with a unique mindset – one that is molded out of confidence and optimism. This is what sets them apart from the rest as they have a positive outlook in life and a unique path set out for them as they take on life’s journey.

But to start changing your life, you need to set your goals first. What would you like to become? What specific aspect in life should you address in order to make that dramatic transformation for the better?

For one, make sure to stay focused on your goals. That way, you can confidently make decisions that will change the direction of your life. Clear out any confusion. The idea of change can be quite scary that the thought of getting through a month, a week, or a day might prove to be a challenge. However, you can take it one step at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.

It would help if you list down all the things that you want to do. This should make some things crystal clear for you in the midst of all the confusion in your mind. This will also help you see your priorities in black and white.

It does not even matter how you organize your list, just as long as you put your thoughts into writing. Once the list is done, give yourself some time to sort it through and identify the least to the most important things to do.

When you start setting goals, be realistic about it. Don’t make it look like you’re giving a genie three wishes, such as when you wish to become a millionaire overnight, because every impossible goal is a cause for disappointment and disillusionment. Just be grounded, focused, and realistic about your goals. There’s nothing wrong with starting small.

It would be better if your first goal is achievable within a month or two, but it should still be significant enough to give you a great taste of success. Your next goal should be something connected to the realization of the first goal, and so on.

You may also set goals that aim to eliminate all the negative things in life that have kept you from succeeding. It could be to get rid of your inhibitions and self-limitations.

For many achievers, their first goal is to excel in time management. This is an appropriate first goal, especially for people who always seem to be running out of time. Proper time management will make you feel in control and confident that you can achieve your goals in time.

When creating your to-do list, you may also want to take note of the things that are hindering you from success. It could be your fear of failure, something that many people fail. In many cases, failure is usually about fears dominating your subconscious. So, what are you really afraid of?

As you choose your ultimate goal, do you still have doubts about your ability to realize it? If so, you need to get to the bottom of it all and discover where those doubts come from.

Everyone has fears, but you need to take it on if you want to leave the old you behind and move on to the new you. What is pulling you behind from transforming into the person that you want to become?

Aside from writing your goals, you need to be reminded of them at all times. Look at your list regularly make your visions of success clearer and stronger than ever.

You can be the new you by taking small but effective steps. Set your goals, follow them, create a course of action, and get rid of your self-doubts. Use your mental strength to put your positive thoughts at the center of everything that you are doing and relieve yourself of all the negative thoughts until you totally forget about them.

Monitor your progress and your timescales. Don’t stray and follow your realistic deadlines. Careful tracking of your goals and your current actions will tell you if you are still on schedule or whether you need to pick up the pace to keep up with your deadlines. Every time you tick off a task on your to-do list, it can give you a different kind of satisfaction knowing that you’re about to do something great! Don’t be stingy in rewarding yourself.

As you are about to reach your goals, you will also feel your confidence and self-worth building up over time.