If you are trying to accomplish ANY goal- you will be faced with decisions that affect that goal every single day. Your reactions to these choices will either push you towards your goals or hinder your progress. When I'm working towards a specific goal, especially one that takes 100% dedication, I ask myself these four questions before I act.

#1. Does this decision bring me closer to or further away from my goals? This is probably the most important question of them all. Think about it- what you eat for breakfast, who you hang out with, where you choose to study or what you do on the weekend can all have an impact on your goal, depending what your goal is. I ask myself this on weekends a lot and when I'm out with my friends. It really helps in the context of drinking or partying. I ask myself: Is drinking and partying going to bring me closer to my fitness goals or further away? The answer is pretty clearly further away so I reconsider what is more important to me. This does not mean I never go out and drink and have fun with my friends, I'm just aware of what my priorities, what I am choosing, and why I am choosing it.

#2. What would my ideal self do in this situation? Think about who you will be when you accomplish that big goal you've been dreaming of. What does that person look like? How does that dream person act? Well, if you want to be that person, you have to start acting like that person. For example, if your goal is to get better grades, ask yourself what the straight A version of yourself would do when presented with an option to study or stay home. The ideal self would probably study in this situation. Put this question in your own context- WHO do you want to be? How does that person act? What do they do? What decisions do they make?

#3. How can I act as a leader in this situation?It's extremely difficult to go against the crowd when you're making a decision that correlates with your goals. I can't even count the times I've been scoffed as "lame" or "uncool" in my life for making decisions that align with my goals and not whats popular. However, for every one person who thinks you're lame theres at least three who respect and admire you. Someone might even be inspired by you for going against the grain. When you make a decision aligned with your goals, you are acting as a leader and setting a new standard for you and your peers.

#4. How would I act if my little cousin/sibling/child (insert any other young person) was watching me?This question is something I was always told as a cheerleader in high school, and it's stuck ever since. If you have kids, siblings, or cousins, whether you like it or not, they are watching you and mimicking you. I can look back on my childhood and still remember the "older kids" and adults that had a huge impact on me. Ask yourself if you are setting a good example for them when pondering an example. I always think about my 9 year old brother when I'm in these situations. I absolutely love him and want him to be the best he can be- and that example starts with me!

The outcome of your goals are directly attributed to the decisions you make every single day. Being aware of the little things and small decisions will help you accomplish the big things!