Don’t let unrealistic idealism get in the way of achieving your goals

“When you are optimistic because you believe you can exert some control over whether you succeed or fail, by putting in the necessary effort, making plans, and finding the right strategies, that’s realistic. It’s also empowering and highly motivating.” Heidi Halvorson, Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals![blue-close-up-eye-685526.jpg]

Don’t fall into the trap of unrealistic idealism.

Set intentions fueled by your passions – and then help prepare yourself for the challenges you may encounter trying to fulfill them.

Instead of just visualizing yourself succeeding, create a practice of visualizing potential barriers and how to overcome them:

1. Bring to mind a clear, challenging and meaningful goal that you wish to achieve

2. As you think through the critical steps that it will take to get you there, brainstorm potential pitfalls – factors inside and out that could make it difficult to achieve the critical steps.

3. For each challenge that seems plausible, carefully visualize how you might creatively overcome it.
   What alternative approaches could there be?
   How could you respond if this obstacle ends up standing in your way?