Why is it we so often have great intentions of reaching our goals but don’t quite get there? Even when we have a strong desire to get what we want, why do we somehow still not manage to get it?

Many times the reason we have not achieved our desired goals is simply because we were not willing to do whatever it took to achieve them. The excuses run the gamut, from being too tired, to not having enough time, not having enough money, not having enough freedom, a relationship ended, etc. As a coach I’ve heard them all, and sometimes used a few myself! We are all guilty of making excuses for why we can’t get something done. When we do accomplish our goals, if we look back, we know there were patterns of behavior and steps we took to accomplish them.

Once you become clear on your outcome or end result, you’ll be in a better position to determine what it takes to get the job done. The key is to look at what steps need to be taken and do whatever it takes (keeping integrity in tact) to get the job done.

I recently had a client who wanted coaching for help in achieving her goal of passing the veterinarian exam. She had taken the exam twice before and failed, so it was vitally important to her that she pass the next time. When we first met she was depressed, not only from failing the exams, but also from dealing with a nasty divorce. Here is what our sessions consisted of for her to achieve her goal:

1. We first examined the area of self-care and how she was taking care of herself with regard to nutrition, sleep, her environment and stress level. She was on anti-depressants that weren’t working and wanted off. We created a plan to increase her energy level and reduce stress so that it fit her hectic schedule of work and study.

2. We worked on strategies and solutions to deal with some of the emotional blocks that kept coming up for her. One of the key steps I teach my clients is to focus on their internal dialog so that it can be redirected to the positive.

3. I asked her about others she knew who had passed the exam. In doing so, we examined their behaviors and habits, all the way down to their body posture while studying.

4. We examined how much material needed to be covered so she could create a timeline to determine how much time would be required to cover all the material.

5. We worked on patterns of behavior that involved getting sidetracked and making excuses for the work not getting done.

6. We worked on developing the mentality of “doing whatever it takes” to get the job done. This is where most people give up because they are not focusing on the end result but rather the unpleasant task in the present. Sometimes it means pulling an all-nighter or giving up a social event in order to get the job done.

7. We incorporated visualization exercises so that she could “see” herself as a successful veterinarian.

8. And, finally, we worked on relaxation techniques so that her mind could easily retrieve the answers while taking the test.

About two months after my client took the veterinarian exam, I received a call from her minutes after she received her test results. She elatedly told me she finally passed the veterinarian exam!

The end result of my client passing the exam would not have occurred if any of the above steps had been left out. She had to take care of herself so she would have energy to push forward. She had to remove negative internal dialog and replace it with positive “can do” thoughts. She had to know what steps to take. She had to stay focused. She had to believe her goal was possible. She had to have a frame of reference. And, most importantly, she had to be willing to do whatever it took to get her there. When she made the decision to do whatever it took to realize her goal, she succeeded.

Article by Beverly Ambrosio.Beverly Ambrosio is a Life and Business Coach empowering and inspiring others to achieve their personal and business goals. Beverly teaches clients how to develop the mindset for success while implementing the strategies and action plans designed specifically for their outcomes. Coaching sessions involve personal or business evaluations, techniques for removing blocks to success, clarity on goals, strategic planning, follow-through, and support.