Let’s be honest: setting goals is the easy part, but actually achieving them? Now that’s when it gets tricky. Especially if you, like many others, made New Year’s Resolutions then after a few weeks, threw it aside thinking you could just do it next year.
Whether you’re trying to get a 4.0 GPA or land that dream internship, here are a few tips from your favorite celebrities to help you reach your goals.
1. “Make sure that when you set your big goals, you’re setting little ones in between to get you there.”
This tidbit of advice during a TigerBeat interview from gold medal Olympian Laurie Hernandez is important especially when it comes to goal-setting. If you immediately make big goals, such as getting a job right after graduation, it may be difficult to achieve them if you don’t create smaller goals to help you hit them. You wouldn’t climb a staircase with only one step, right? It’d be much easier to get to the top of the stairs if you have smaller steps that will help you get there.
In that case, by creating smaller goals to help you reach your big goal, such as getting internships and attending networking events, it will be less overwhelming if you work towards your goal step-by-step.
2. “The reality is, sometimes you lose . . . And it happens when it needs to happen. And you have to embrace those things.”
Beyoncé couldn’t have said it better. In her “Self-Titled: Part 2. Imperfection” video, Queen Bey shares how fear prevents us from moving forward, and that by embracing the inevitable, it will be easier to achieve your goals without the fear of failing.
Failure is a part of life, and it’s impossible to work towards your goal without stumbling once in a while.
3. “Anything that took me out of my comfort zone I was going to do it, if asked to do it.”
In an interview with NPR, Shonda Rhimes, the award-winning television writer and producer behind some of your favorite shows, like Grey’s Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder, shared her experiences on how she liked to stay in her comfort zone—that is until she had a life-changing conversation with her sister and sparked her “year of yes.”
Getting out of your comfort zone is difficult, but sometimes you’re going to have to get out there if you want to achieve your goals. Want to intern at your dream company? Reach out and schedule an informational interview with someone who works there, even if the idea of it seems daunting. Doing something out of your comfort zone will help you grow and ultimately achieve your goals.
4. “When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question, ‘Is this person between me and what I want to do?’”
Comedian and writer Tina Fey definitely had it right. When working towards your goals, don’t let anyone discourage you. Maybe it’s because some family members think it’s “impossible” for you to become an actress or a “friend” thinks you’ll never make it on the track team. There’s always going to be someone who will stand in your way—just don’t let it stop you from working to reach your goals.
5. “You can’t do it alone. As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration.”
In a 2011 Harvard Commencement speech, comedian Amy Poehler addressed the importance of leaning on others. It’s certainly possible to go through life relying solely on yourself but sometimes, it’s better if you get a little help from others.
Though there will be people who are quick to laugh at your goals, there will also be those who will be there to support you. Those who believe in your dreams and aspirations may even be some of your biggest cheerleaders as you strive to achieve your goals.