If you want to succeed in reaching your goals, you need to learn as much as you can about them. You need to pursue those things that are going to bring you great joy.

No matter what the reality of your life is, everyone has images or visions of what they would like life to be. It is different for each person, depending upon his or her values, strengths, weaknesses, desires, and talents. You may wish to be a novelist, an actor, a singer, a business person, or a fireman. Your dream may not involve work at all, but rather a home in the country and several children running around. Or you may fantasize about exploring the world.

Whatever your dreams may be, there is only one way to make progress toward realizing them. You must get out and do. You must take positive action that propels you step by step down the path from vision to realization.

Learn the Basics

If you want to succeed in attaining your goals, you need to learn as much as you can about them. Investigate how others got started, what training they had, and any prior experience that helped them succeed.

Take classes at your local community college or university. Join a mentoring program or become an intern. Spend your spare time meeting others who already work in your chosen field. Find out anything and everything you can about how best to get your foot in the door.

You also need to learn the ups and downs of your chosen business. Will you be required to work long hours? Will you be traveling a great deal of the time? If you are, how will it affect your home life? Do you have a wife and kids to worry about, or are you footloose and fancy free?

You need to learn what kind of starting salary you can expect, what benefits will be available, and what retirement options you can participate in. As enticing as having your dream job might be, you also need to plan for practicalities such as covering your living expenses and planning for retirement.

In Addition to Learning, You Must Act

Once you have done your homework, you need to find a way to get your foot in the door. You may have to take a volunteer position, work as an intern, or complete work “on spec,” meaning they get to test drive your skills and you only get paid if they like what you have produced.

You can only be a student for so long, then you need to get your feet wet. If you must, look into relocating or working for a small agency to gain basic experience, then gradually work your way into the position you desire. Nothing talks to a prospective employer as much as good, solid work experience backed by reliable references.

Self Improvement in Your Private Life

Your goal may not involve a change in employment at all, but rather a change in a personal relationship. You may be looking to strike up a new relationship, or mend one you are already in. You can do all the talking in the world, but nothing will change until you finally decide to take action. Strike up a conversation with your prospective beau, or suggest counseling to repair a struggling relationship. If you are in an abusive situation, leave immediately.

Change can be frightening, and taking action means effecting change. There is a great deal of comfort in the status quo, but remaining inert will not move you any closer to your personal goals.

In order to lead a fulfilling life, you need to pursue those things that are going to bring you great joy. Many times that means making significant changes in your living conditions, location, or financial position. Change, while scary, can also be powerful and invigorating. Embrace the changes you are about to experience in your life as you hold on to your vision, picturing yourself finally attaining your goals.

Just as big of an obstacle as fear is procrastination. Delaying action may be driven partly or even largely by fear, but you must remember that nobody has accomplished their goals or realized their dreams by just sitting around. Take a deep breath, have some faith in yourself, and approach your new life head-on. Enter it with purpose and enthusiasm, and you almost certainly will prevail.

Thanks to Life Insurance Lowdown for including this post in the Carnival of Life, Happiness, and Meaning, and to FitBuff.com for featuring this post in the Total Mind and Body Fitness Carnival.