4. OAK - Own it, Be Accountable, Celebrate

Your goal starts as a little acorn. In the right elements it begins to grow roots deep into the soil. With some perseverance a shoot will emerge from the ground. With dedication that shoot begins to form branches, leaves and more little acorns. You may lose your leaves and need some pruning along the way, but in time you will grow to be that "Mighty Oak."

M - Mindset

I - Identify your goals

G - Get specific

H - Have a vision

T - Time-bound

Y - You

- PAUSE AND BREATHE

O - Own it

A - Be Accountable

K - Know when to celebrate

This week we are finishing off the last three stages. OAK.

Own it

You are 100% responsible for reaching your goal. All of the actions you take or don't take, successes you have or don't have, are because of you. It is up to you to stop looking at other people or things as the reason for not succeeding. Instead ask yourself "What do I need to do to fix, move forward and learn from this." Your goal is just that, "yours." It is your vision, your plan and your desire. Your success relies on you. To become that "Mighty Oak" you must take responsibility, allow yourself to fully believe that it is possible, commit to making it happen and "own it" every step of the way.

Be Accountable

Does the word "accountability" make you cringe? It does have a negative ring to it but staying true to yourself should not be unpleasant. Being accountable will help you make consistent, steady progress towards your goal. But how you ask?

The proper mindset is where it all begins. A positive outlook will help you keep a clear mind, overcome obstacles you encounter, and help you stay motivated. Be clear on what you want, revisit your values often, believe it can happen, and be honest with yourself. For more ways to gain that proper mindset read last weeks Weekly Seed, "It's all about you."

Commit to a schedule. Often times we are so focussed on becoming that "Mighty Oak" that we forget about all the steps it takes to get to that title of "mighty." Follow the specific time-oriented tasks that you have set in place. Use a calendar, notebook or daily reminder on your phone to keep you on track. Whatever means you use, make sure you visit it every day, note your progress and follow through.

Embrace discipline. Self-discipline is not about becoming a superhuman or beating yourself up for not doing what you should be doing. Embrace the changes you are making and the steps you are taking, and always remind yourself of the whys you are doing this. I'm too tired, I don't have time, it's too cold; there will always be something preventing you from making that next step. Challenge your excuses and stick to your plan. Make it easy on yourself to succeed and plan ahead. Meal prep, carve out a specific time in the day and get a good night sleep. By planning ahead you are more apt to stay on course. Know that there will be times when you will falter. When things get tough don't allow yourself to give up. Hold your branches up. The sky is the limit.

Reaching your goal can be an overwhelming process, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Find an accountability partner that will help you stay on track and keep you motivated. Whether you choose a friend, family member, co-worker or life coach, make sure that that someone is truly committed. Someone that will help you stick to your plan, call you out on your BS, be a sounding board, is non-judgemental, encourages you, and shares your happiness when you succeed.

Celebrate

It is imperative to take the time to celebrate the success you have worked so hard to achieve. But what about all the little successes you have had along the way? The little wins are an integral part of reaching your end goal. In my opinion, they are the most deserving of celebration. Not only does celebrating your successes feel good in the moment, it also motivates you to achieve more. This doesn't mean you have to throw an elaborate party or buy an extravagant gift; just find a way to appreciate where you were and where you are now. A reminder to yourself that "you've got this!"

Just like the old proverb states, "From a little acorn a Mighty Oak will grow," your goal can achieve that same mighty status if you follow the Mighty Oak cycle.

Thanks for reading The Weekly Seed!

Laura