Why hello there! It's been quite a while since you've seen an article from me. Last you heard, I decided to take a step back but, after much thought and consideration, I am back. Not only am I back, but I'm back here with a goal.

Webster's dictionary defines a goal as "the end toward which effort is directed." I feel like in today's world, many people have a hard time achieving that "end." In some instances, this is okay (i.e. your college major. You don't want to spend the rest of your life doing something that bores you). However, in most instances, not getting to the end point of a much simpler goal can be very discouraging.

Here's what I want you to do: I want you to think of a goal that you want to achieve. My goal (and the example I'm going to use for this article) is that I want to train for a 5K run. Once you have you're goal, think of the end point of said goal. For mine, the ultimate goal is to be able to fully run a 5K by the time I graduate from college. How to we get to our end point or ultimate goal?

The most important advice that I have to offer you is while you keep your eyes on the ultimate goal, set mini goals along the way to keep you accountable and on track. For a running goal like mine, you can set mini goals such as cutting your mile time, making it through a 5K period, things like that. Mini goals make the bigger monster seem less overwhelming and somewhat easier to achieve, even when you're putting in the same amount of work.

The next aid that will skyrocket you to the end point is having the right materials. Creating an upbeat music playlist, buying new workout clothes, and decorating my water bottle are all examples of making me cross the finish line of my 5K in style. A picture of Ryan Gosling never hinders progress for any goal if you know what I mean...

The last piece of advice that I have that can help you not only make a goal, keep, but also document your accountability is writing your goals in a journal. I've found that journaling keeps my goals in check and my mind mapped out. You can write a checklist and smile when you cross things off, or write down running times to watch your progress during months of what seems like endless training. You can even decorate your journal with inspiring quotes and pictures to keep you motivated.

You want to do everything in your power to keep yourself motivated while accomplishing any goal. Keeping your mentality strong is one of the biggest steps to reaching the end point. I hope you're willing to keep your head screwed on tight, put your best foot forward, and achieve any goal with a full and determined heart.