Okay, I usually try to stay away from the word “never” but there comes a time in our lives when we realize that some dreams are only going to be harder to reach if we wait a minute longer. That’s where I’m at.  I’m in my mid 40’s and sitting squarely in that place where I must decide to either challenge myself by doing these things – or resign myself to letting them go.

What about you?  What are your dreams – and when do you plan on reaching them – if not now?  I’d love to learn to play an instrument, speak a foreign language and then travel the world.  While I certainly can’t do all of it at once, I can develop a plan and focus my energies toward at least one.

Personally, I’ve recently put on a few unwanted pounds.  Is this simply normal for my age or should I dig deep and put up one last fight before resigning myself to a life of polyester?  I see people my age running 5k’s, yet I can’t make it to the corner without breaking a sweat.  Perhaps it’s time to see what I’m made of.  In fact, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.  Why don’t you join me?  Choose your goal – just one – develop a plan – set your intention – and go! Here are some suggestions for making it happen!

There’s an app for that!

If you’re not technologically savvy, now’s the time to start!  Take a moment to see if there’s an app pertaining to your goal and take advantage of what it has to offer.  Apps can add fun and variety to your task as well as provide a record of the benchmarks that you reach along the way.  It’s easy to get bored with the effort after a while (the main reason people give up their goals) and apps can help you keep the journey exciting.

Envision the end result

Place reminders of your goal around your home to help inspire you and keep you focused.  A photo of someone with your ideal body taped to the refrigerator, listening to native music from the language you’re studying, or treating yourself to rewards for meeting short-term goals can help to keep your head in the game. Maybe the average person can’t do this, but then you’ve never been average, have you?  Remember that!

Let others join in the fun!

Life is to be enjoyed! See if you can find other people who have the same goal and link up for friendship, advice and encouragement.  Whether it is in person or through online social groups, you can always find like-minded people with a little detective work. While reaching a goal can sometimes seem like a chore, it can also offer us the chance to widen our sphere of contacts and enhance our lives beyond simple achievement.  Remember, every goal is geared towards helping us live happier, more enjoyable lives, so make it fun!  That’s why we’re doing these things, right?

Say goodbye to the old and welcome the new

And, if the time truly has passed for reaching a few of your dreams, then don’t despair.  No one life can do everything – so focus on the wonderful thing you have done – and let those old dreams gently slide away.  It’s a huge world full of new and wondrous possibilities, so set your sights on finding new things that are realistic for the new you.  They have the capability to make you just as happy and perhaps lead you off on a new and exciting adventure that you’d never anticipated.

It’s now or never time people, so let’s do it!  What’s your focus going to be for the new year?

Copyright © 2013 marciwise.com. Material is copyrighted but free to repost as long as proper credit is listed, including our website address. Marci Wise is the author of Pain, Passion & Purpose. “Like” us on Facebook.