I’d be the first one to admit that I am a goal driven person. I set targets for everything because I think it’s an important part of the getting things done process. If you want to get a promotion at work or want to lose some weight, visit new places, get fitter… all these things need planning and most likely won’t get achieved if you don’t set a target of doing them at a certain point in the future.

The problem is with most people they focus purely on the end game and think that the journey to achieving it is irrelevant. They will put up with all kinds of hardship as long as they achieve that specific goal at some point in the future. The downside to this way of thinking is that the journey can be long and hard, so if you don’t get something from this stage then you are missing out on a lot of living. The real secret is to do what you need to do in order to get to your goals, at the same time as enjoying what you’re doing. This is the most successful way to accomplish anything, so make things as easy for yourself as possible and enjoy life along the way.

Let’s take weight loss as an example here. Deciding that you want to lose 1 stone in 8 weeks is a good goal. It’s specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time framed. But deciding that you’re going to do it by eating nothing but salad and running 2 miles every day is not a great way to do it UNLESS you love eating salads and are passionate about running! If not then you need to find another way of bringing about that calorie deficit. A way of eating that allows for a reduction in calories and a type of activity that you love and look forward to doing is ideal. This way you won’t end up hating every moment and longing for the one day when you have achieved your goal.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that for anything to be successful it must be hard. If you are at the top end of the scale and you want to be an elite sportsperson or you’re already in good shape but want to lose that last few stubborn pounds, then you probably will need to dig a little deeper. But for most of us, some of the smallest changes can bring about the most amazing results…Cut down on drinking, eat less sugar, eat more fruit and veg, drink more water, walk more often, do more exercise, join a fitness class, start dancing, do more in the garden… the list is endless. All small changes, easy to do and all possibly life changing!

Just find things that you like doing, preferably with other people so you have a support network and go and get what you want, but enjoy the journey as you will be spending most of your time on it.