If you only do one thing this week… Achieve your goals with these 5 steps

I recently listen to a podcast with Ben Nemptin from The Buried Life. For those of you who have not heard of the buried life (I hadn’t until very recently) it is a super cool reality TV show airing in the US. The series features Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin, and Dave Lingwood attempting to complete a list of “100 things to do before you die.” These guys managed to hustle there way into the White House to play basketball with Obama and went to a Playboy Party completely uninvited. There is no task too great or too small for them. They are an example of where a dream and a lot of determination can get you.

Here is what I learnt from him:

1. Stop thinking about it and start writing it down

There is something about seeing your goal in writing that makes it more real. It helps you to believe that it is more achievable and is the first step to commitment.

2. Start talking about it 

Not only is this good for business – you never know who might help you – but it is also a great way to apply a bit of pressure to yourself. You are less likely to back out, even if you get a little scared, if your friends and family know about it and are supporting you in your quest.

3. Be Persistent

In other words – don’t give up. And definitely don’t fall at the first hurdle, second, or even third. JK Rowling had 12 ‘nos’ from publishers before she got her ‘yes’ for her first Harry Potter book. And Richard Brandson, discovered Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, which had been previously turned down by many other music publishers, but Brandson just knew it would be a big hit. He then had to persuade a very shy Oldfield to go with his brand new record label. The album became the first album released by Virgin Records. And the rest is history. Don’t give up. You never know where your determination may lead you.

4. Be Ballsy

Find the confidence to step outside of your comfort zone and do brave things. You will never know the answer unless you ask for something. Ask for help. Ask for money. Ask for a hug. Just ask. You may just get the answer you have been looking for.

5. Help others

Paying it forward is not just good for your karma – it is an important part of success. You never know where those people you help my get to. One day they might just end up running the company that you have been dying to work at your whole life.