There will be times when you get discouraged, or start to doubt yourself as you work towards attaining your goals. The best way to overcome these feelings is to go back to the reason you set your goal in the first place. Then, visualize how you will feel once your goal is achieved. Think of each and every benefit your achievement will mean to you, and how your life will positively change. Write down each benefit and post them in an area where you will see them every day; this will help you to remain dedicated to the achievement of your goal.

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I felt discouraged, and doubted my own abilities when I started writing. A couple of times, I almost had myself convinced my writing was inadequate, that no one would benefit from what I wrote, and that no one would ever buy it. At this critical point, I stopped and visualized how I would feel when my published book helped people realize their dreams. The satisfaction of knowing I was able to help other people motivated me. I was also inspired by the freedom and ability to be able to write. Developing effective writing skills has been a life long goal, and one with which I have struggled for years. For me, to be a successful author would give me great satisfaction.

When you feel discouraged, stop, step back, and think about why you originally set your goal. Remind yourself of the significant difference attaining your desires will make in your life. Then, move forward with an “I can do it!”attitude.

Another way I found helpful to keep self-doubts at bay was to talk to my best friend about my feelings. This is a person with whom I had shared my goals, a person who encouraged and supported me when I felt discouraged. Just talking to my friend about my concerns motivated me to keep going. Once you set your goals, share them with someone who will support you, and who will be there when you need to talk.

And, of course, what has always helped me has been to read inspirational books, or motivational quotes. Reading about the author of the quote inspired me. After reading about how many of them overcame great odds or obstacles before they were successful, I knew if they could do it, I could to.

Don’t let you, defeat you. You will have enough challenges along the way without engaging in self-defeating thoughts. Be persistent, be determined, be dedicated, and be a winner. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said: "Accomplishments will prove to be a journey, not a destination."

You can accomplish whatever your mind can see!

Catherine Pulsifer
http://www.goal4success.com