Setting goals to move you towards what you want

CamaraderieThere's safety in numbers. Things always seem less frightening when you do it with a friend. Maybe it's just misery loves company. Whatever the motivation, friends offer support, and help bring out your biggest self. I'm often my boldest and most outrageous with my friend Gina. She's got me doing stuff on stage that I never imagined possible, but I feel safe in her company.Higher PowerNo courage How-To list would be complete without trust in God. I'm a novice in spiritual matters and only just learning how faith operates in my life. Suffice it to say that being part of something infinite and all-powerful can definitely give you a leg up.So maybe courage is simply portable safety-- finding it within yourself rather than seeking it from the world; generating it as needed and always having the right amount-- no more, no less.

That's certainly a productive use of resources.Life is hard enough without piling more and more expectations on yourself. It's like trying to diet in a chocolate factory! Instead try these 7 ways to help you lighten up, reduce worry, and give yourself a break. You'll come out on the other side with a simpler, happier, easier life.1. Decide Right Now To Expect Nothing.Of course you can live "down" to expectations. In this context, however, it means to not get so hung up on needing, wanting, striving, wishing, and beverage cooler reviews pursuing that you miss what's right in front of you. Setting goals to move you towards what you want is definitely, vitally important. But what is good and sweet and wonderful in your life right now? What are you missing out on by expecting something better to be around the next corner? 2. Let Some Long-Standing, Idealistic Goals Go.This can be the most freeing thing you do, and a tremendous sense of relief. Always wanted to be the world's first perfect parent? Are you disappointed in yourself because you haven't yet won the Pulitzer Prize? Are you comparing yourself to the body of a runway model? Does your marriage lack the romance of daytime soap operas? It's time to get over these types of unrealistic goals. Allow yourself to be human. 3. Truly Accept that Failure is The Only Way To Succeed.

There's a famous quote that says, "the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." The story goes that famous basketball player Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team because he wasn't good enough. History would have been very different if he had let "failure" stop him from working hard at what he wanted to do. Practice patience. Practice failure. Practice. Practice. Practice.4. Make Peace With Something That You Already Know.What do you already know that you will "learn" in 6 months? What this means is, what is in your life today that is probably going to catch up to you and cause you big trouble 6 months from now? Are you overspending? Is your marriage on shaky ground? Are you living without insurance? Do you have a healthy problem that you're trying to ignore? Make peace with what's going on in your life now, AND make a plan to deal with it. 5. Find Your Real Self Again.Are you internally motivated, or addicted to applause? Do you do things just because "other people" expect you to, or do you do them because you experience joy and peace when you do? Are you living up to your higher goals, or just getting through the day?