Small steps lead to bigger leaps

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

I swear by this inspirational quote by French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It—along with a few others—is taped to my bathroom mirror, as a daily reminder to keep my eyes on the prize.

I take time at the end of the year to ref lect on the previous months. But knowing where I’ve been doesn’t do me much good if I don’t also know where I’m going. While some are content to just drift through life, reacting to whatever happens to them, I’m proactive. I like having an idea where I’m headed.

At this time of year, we make—only to soon break—our new year’s resolutions. And that’s because we go about it all wrong.

We look at this end-of-year resolving as a time to make sweeping changes and promises to be better people. We don’t stop to think about how we’re going to drop 50 pounds, quit smoking or be nicer. I’d rather look at resolutions as goal-setting exercises that help us make positive changes in our lives.

Breaking down big goals into manageable steps is essential. Or as I like to think of it: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

I’ve run several half-marathons over the past year, and occasionally someone will say: “I could never do that!” Well, I didn’t wake up one morning and run 13.1 miles. I joined a group that led me through a 12-week training schedule. The first week ended with a run of four miles. The next week it was five, then six, and so on. By the time I reached the end of the program, I knew 13.1 miles was doable. The encouragement and friendship of the group were instrumental in helping me reach the finish line.

Whether your resolution is to run a marathon, lose weight or quit smoking, take small steps. And don’t forget to find people to be your support team along the way.

I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2014!