1.) Whatever you want to achieve, you need to know your WHY.

Any time you want to implement something new in your life, you need to ask yourself why.

For example, you want to lose weight because you want to be healthier.

Or perhaps you want to make more money because you want your child to go to a better school.

2.) How will you feel once you achieve your goal?

Think about and write down how your life will change, and how you will be different once you have achieved it.

How does that version of you walk, talk, and hold herself once she's where she wants to be? How does she take care of herself, speak to herself, speak to others?

This step is necessary, so please don't overlook it.

3.) Plan the steps you need to take and anticipate any missteps, so you're ready.

Let's use the example of losing weight.

You've planned your meals, you've purchased the food, and gotten rid of temptations in your home.

But when you're out with friends at a restaurant, how will you handle it when everyone orders decadent desserts?

Anticipate that moments like this are going to happen, and there will be opportunities for you to give in to your urges and sabotage yourself.

Decide AHEAD of time how you want to be in those situations.

What could you order instead, and what do you want to say if someone is nudging you to go off your protocol?

Let's say there's a moment of weakness, and you cave in to your cravings?

Do you make it mean that you're never going to lose weight, or do you lovingly not make it mean anything negative about you and get back on track?

The wonderful thing about being human is that mistakes will happen. It's what you make those mistakes mean whether you get back on track or not.

4.) Create a supportive environment.

Let those close to you know what you're trying to achieve so that they can support you in achieving your goal.

A lot of times, we suffer in silence or feel ashamed to talk about what we want. We fear unsupportive comments or, worse, think we might get ridiculed for wanting to change in the first place.

Create a network of friends and loved ones you can turn to.

5.) Label feelings that come up.

Language can separate you from the experience. Whether talking to someone or writing it down, naming and labeling your feelings creates distance and can give you objectivity.

We tend to think our thoughts are automatically valid. Consider whether your thoughts are supporting or sabotaging you.

6.) Embrace uncertainty.

Learning something new or doing something you've never done before can seem daunting at first, but it's rewarding. Lean into uncertainty and enjoy the process.

Don't limit yourself by staying in your comfort zone.