I don’t know about you, but every year around this time, I tend to ease off the gas pedal when it comes to working toward my goals. The momentum of the new year is behind me and now I’m in the throws of the day-to-day grind. It can be tough to “stay on” when life happens. However, I always try my best to power through…because setting and achieving goals has played a huge role in the career and financial success I’ve seen in my life.

I’ve been setting goals since I was a child. Obviously, at the time, I didn’t really know they were goals. They were just things I wanted that I would write, speak, or even share with others. Most times, I often achieved those things.

For example, when I was in the 4th grade (so about 8 or 9 years old), I had a tutor who told me she was an actress. She gave me a flyer for a movie that was casting extras in Austin. She then began to list out the steps one can take to become an actress (get headshots, get an agent, etc.). I told my parents I wanted to do this, and I broke out the phone book (yes, I’m that old) and researched agencies in Austin. I mailed my school picture to a few of them and one of them got back to me! She told me to get headshots and she would sign me! I had set a goal and I achieved it – without knowing what I was doing.

The first real goal-setting list I found from my past was in 2008 for the 2009 year. I was 20 years old and I listed out the things I wanted to achieve that year. Oh, how my life was so much simpler back then!

I share all that with you to say that setting goals from an early age has contributed IMMENSELY to all that I’ve accomplished today. Sure, I haven’t achieved everything I set out to do…but I either keep working towards them or align my goals to where I’m at now so I can consistently do the work.

If you set goals but struggle with staying on track with them, I want to share a few things that help me stay on track, especially when the motivation fades. I’ve learned to “keep my eyes on the prize” and it’s certainly paid off!

One thing that has been a game-changer for staying motivated to reach my goals is looking at them daily, multiple times a day.

I look at my goals multiple times a day because I have them listed in multiple places. As part of my morning routine, I journal all my thoughts, feelings, fears, and accomplishments. Included in each daily journal entry is a list of the goals I’m working on during the year. That’s the first time I see my goals.

I have my annual goals written on my dry-erase board in my office. The dry-erase board is on the wall to my left, so anytime I look up and over, my goals (along with messages and inspiration) are in plain sight. That’s the second time I see my goals throughout the day.

The final time I see my goals during the day is when I power up my work computer and list out my daily to-dos. I have a template that includes the list of business and personal goals I’m currently working towards.

Another trick to keeping myself on track with my goals is sharing what I’m working towards with my family, friends, and community. Speaking about your goals out loud makes them real. Telling people what you want to achieve adds a different level of accountability.

Whether those people check in on your progress or not, you know that you’ve shared your goals, so if you don’t work to make them happen, your words don’t mean much.

I value being a person who does what she says she will do. Whether I reach the goal or not, if I show up every day and work towards it, I’m winning!

How do you keep your eyes on the prize when you feel like giving up or giving in? Drop a comment to share, because I’d love to hear what works for you!