7 Simple Steps to Go From “Wanting” to “Getting”

Is there something in life that you want so bad that it is all you think about, but you just can’t seem to latch onto it? It’s on your mind first thing in the morning, several times throughout the day and again at night when you should be drifting off to a peaceful sleep?

Maybe it’s weight loss that you’re after (and have been after for years) or perhaps it’s a solid, loving and trusting relationship that you want. Could it be that you desire a new job that is both exciting and satisfying, or is it just some peace of mind that you crave?

Whatever “it” is, how do you go from wanting it to actually holding it in your hands like the prized possession that it is?

Life is too short to live with wants that go unfulfilled. So, if there is something you crave within the depths of your soul, it’s time that you went out to get it. Here are seven simple steps you can follow that will help you do just that:

Step #1: Define What You Want

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You can’t go after something if you don’t know what it is, right? So, your first step is to define exactly what it is that you want. You’re going to want to be as specific as possible so that you have a clear image of it in your mind.

For instance, if it’s weight loss that you want, how many pounds do you want to lose (10, 20, 50 or 100)? Or, what size clothes do you want to fit into (are 10’s good with you or are you striving to wear 2’s)?

Perhaps you’d rather set your definition based on the physical measurements you wish to achieve (a waist under 30 inches or hips that are five inches smaller)?

Once you know precisely what end goal you plan to achieve, the more you’ll know how to make it happen – and you’ll recognize it once you achieve it.

Step #2: Know Why You Want It

Just as you need to know what it is you want, you also have to thoroughly understand why you want it. Essentially, you have to be able to articulate what it means to you.

Sticking with the previous example, you would have to understand why weight loss is so important to you. Do you equate being thin with being powerful and confident? Or, would it mean getting your health in line and maybe being able to come off from some of your medications?

Perhaps it is purely vanity reasons? You want to look good to make an old boyfriend regret the way he treated you or you want others to look at you in awe and envy. No answers are wrong here. You’re simply identifying what fuels your desire to see something in your life come to pass.

Step #3: Create a Motivator

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Now that you have an extremely clear picture of what you want and why you want it, it’s time to get your motivation stoked hotter than hot. While it’s normally not that hard to do at the beginning of the journey because you’re all excited and ready to go, you’re also going to want to set yourself up to stay motivated during the process. Be proactive instead of reactive so you never lose your drive.

One great motivator is a vision board. This is a picture collage of all of the things that your goal represents to you. You fill it with photos and sayings that motivate and inspire you, and you look at it often so that you keep your final vision in the forefront of your mind.

Another way to motivate yourself is to surround yourself with things that remind you of your goal. Maybe you put post-it notes where you can see them or you ask friends to inspire you at regular intervals.

The more you immerse yourself in your goal, the more likely you are to see it come to pass.

Step #4: Come Up With Ways to Get It

This step is where you brainstorm all of the ways to get whatever it is that you want. Now is not the time to be rational or say no to ideas. Keep your mind open and see how many things you can come up with that will allow you to reach your final destination.

If it’s a dream job you’re after, for instance, maybe you’d want to update your LinkedIn account or start to look at job boards. You also might want to start reading books about others in that field and see what words of wisdom they have to offer. You could also look for volunteer work in that particular area that would give you a foot in the door.

Even if you think an idea is crazy, write it down. Sometimes you have to be unconventional to get what you want out of life.

Step #5: Devise a Plan

Okay, it’s time to pick some of your ideas and devise a plan. You need to figure out what you’re going to do to make this dream of yours a reality.

In the case of trying to find your dream job, you may decide to start with updating your LinkedIn profile. To achieve this, you could set some time in your schedule to research what other people are putting on their profiles or maybe you could research tips and tricks on how to make your profile more attractive to potential employers.

If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself or need help with the words, perhaps it is something you’d rather hire out. Come up with how you plan to get your profile to read the way you want it – the way that gets you results.

Try to outline your steps in a very detailed manner. Mentally walk yourself through the entire process so that you don’t forget a critical step.

Step #6: Implement Your Plan

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Now it’s time to implement your plan. This phase is the key to transforming a “want” to a “get”. Without action, your dream will always remain just a dream.

Commit to the process you created 100%. Don’t let failure be an option. And, if something doesn’t work out the way you envisioned, that is okay. Figure out why it didn’t work and create a new way around it.

The best plans are the ones that are flexible. As long as you’re continuing to move in the direction that you want, you’re doing okay.

Step #7: Celebrate All of Your Accomplishments

Don’t wait for the end of the journey to celebrate all that you’ve been able to accomplish along the way. Every time you take a step forward, pat yourself on the back. Constant positive reinforcement will help keep you motivated to get where you want to be.

They don’t have to be money or item based either. Maybe you’ll commit to taking a nice relaxing bath with candles and soothing music, or perhaps you’ll give yourself an afternoon off work to enjoy a nice walk in the park.

Of course, you could pick celebrations that will help you progress as well. For example, if your goal is weight loss, you could decide to honor your hard work with new workout outfits that not only make you feel good but also support what it is that you’re trying to achieve.

You can get what you want if you know how to go about it. Now that you know, go get it girl!

About the author

Christina DeBusk

Changing careers mid-life from law enforcement to writing, Christina spends her days helping others enrich their businesses and personal lives one word at a time.

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