I recently gave a presentation on this very topic. It's top-of-mind for a lot of folks as we're ending 2018 and thinking about what we want to be different in 2019. It's really very simple in theory, but very hard to execute. There's a cycle that must take place and specific steps that must be completed in order to get exactly what you want out of your life, your business, your relationships, your career, your health, your mindset. It takes effort and time, and this is the struggle. Here are a few highlights from the presentation I gave. My hope is that it resonates with you and inspires you to dream big, then put some goals in place.

Step 1: Dream Big

This is the most important part of the whole cycle. I invite you to spend some time really thinking hard about would make your life utterly amazing. Answer this question to help get the wheels turning: "Wouldn't it be amazing if ___________" and fill in the blank. Think about your business, think about your health, think about your relationships, your personal hobbies... what gets you fired up? How would your life change if you could _______________ in 2019 or beyond.

Dreaming Big is really hard for some folks, myself included. I have a hard time letting my mind "go there" because I'm so analytical and logical, and dare I say it, realistic. For those who are the Integrator type, this piece of the cycle is the most difficult. But it's the most important piece because everything that we do from here on out will point back to this Big Dream! Take your time, don't whip through it, and don't worry about the HOW or the logistics.

Step 2: Set Some SMART Goals

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound/

You can literally take that Big Dream of yours and turn it into a goal using a few simple steps. If you need help with this, grab a copy of the SMART Goal Action Planner (it's FREE) and get started working through some serious questions that will help you extrapolate the key factors to setting a goal. Again, this goal will point directly back to your Big Dream!

“A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.” - Greg Reid

Step 3: Make an Action Plan

Determine the tactics that need to take place to make this goal into a reality. Want to triple your revenue? Want to grow your social media following? Want to lose ten pounds? Want to start your own business? Whatever your big dream, followed by a SMART Goal, your action plan is what will actually make it a reality. Not sure where to start or how to make an action plan? Start here.

Step 4: Execute & Follow Up

You've built out your plan and hit your mark, well done! Game Not Over. Follow up with the people who helped you execute: Your Team, Your Family, Your Assistant... whomever helped you (and someone did, in one way or another), and show the gratitude and appreciation that they deserve. Next, follow up with the clients or customers or the people who directly affected this goal. Did people buy something from you? Stay. In. Touch! Did your clients refer you? Stay. In. Touch. Did you lose that extra weight and make some new accountability partners in the process? Yep, Stay. In. Touch. The people who supported you are the very ones who are making your dreams come true. They deserve to be nurtured. If you struggle with this, and many of us do because we move right on to the next thing, grab a copy of my Top Ten Tips to Nurture Your Network (and what to say when they respond). (It's free too).

Best of luck on your goal setting journey. I hope that all of your dreams come true in 2019!