From Here to There

Have you ever been asked a question about where you want to be in 3 years?  Or 5 years? Or even 10 years?  Do you have an answer?  Do you have professional goals?  Are there personal objectives that you want to achieve?  How do you plan to get from here to there?  The letter "t" is the one difference between here and there.  These 8 "t" steps will help you make progress on your way from here to there.

1. Time - Some things cannot be rushed.  Allow a reasonable amount of time to meet any requirements for your end result.  Don't try to lose 20 pounds in 10 days.  Conversely, procrastination hinders purpose.  Don't continually delay the beginning of your next chapter.  You must turn the pages to reach the end of the book.
2. Training - Stop relying on your charm, personality, and natural ability. All of those things are very important to your success.  However, make sure you're qualified for what you are pursuing.  Sometimes your qualifications will be the key to open the first door. Then you use other things to remain in the room and get access to other doors.
3. Tenacity - You may fail and have setbacks along the way.  Don't give up and don't quit.  When someone tells you no, they are refusing that particular request or approach.  That doesn't mean you are being rejected.  Find a different way to get what you need.  
4. Trail - Take advantage of the path that others have established.  You may need to take detours along the way to accommodate your individuality.  But don't ignore the lessons learned from others.  They can save you valuable time.
5. Target - Be clear about what you are trying to do and where you are trying to go.  It's hard to hit a moving target.  It's okay to change your mind about how you will get what you want or even why you want it.  However, you should be consistent regarding what you want.
6. Thanks - Appreciate the small steps on your journey just as much as you appreciate the big steps.  Don't overlook the people, opportunities, and lessons that assisted you along the way.  Gratitude builds relationships.  Relationships are the foundation of success.
7. Turns - Rarely will there be a straight path from where you are to where you want to be.  There will be twists and turns along the way.  Each turn provides an opportunity to re-evaluate priorities and meet new people to help you.
8. Tolls - There is always a cost associated with growth, movement, or development.  Be prepared to spend time, energy, and money to reach your destination.  There is a familiar saying that there is no free ride.  Don't be discouraged by pauses and delays.  Pay the price and resume the progress toward the finish line.

Leave a comment and share what "t" will help you get from here to there.