by Catalogs.com Info Guru Lisa Pratto

Getting a good start is important in everything we do, from starting high school or college to quitting smoking and dieting.

You have to be 100% committed to your own success and, more importantly, 100% focused. You can do it!

10. What is your Goal

Figure out exactly what your end goal is; saying that you want to be successful is not good enough. Be specific.

9. Break it down

How are you going to get from here to your goal? What do you need to do? Break it down into bite-sized mini steps. Make a spreadsheet on your laptop or write it down in your planner.

8. Actionable

Don’t you just love that word?! Basically, it means that you need to spell out exactly what to do. “Earn more money” – bad example. “Earn $4 more an hour after completing computer course” – good example.

7. Write it Down

This step seems so simple that it is often overlooked, but it is a necessary step if you want to get a good start. Seeing things in black and white and being able to reference them again later is extremely helpful. Keep it on your fridge with a magnet so you see it every day.

6. Research

There is no way you can get a good start at becoming the world’s foremost chocolatier if you have no idea how to make chocolate, right?! Learn all you can. Read everything. Google anything you don’t understand.

5. Put it on the Calendar

Another seemingly simple, yet crucial step is to put your goal and the steps to get you there on the calendar. It really does help.

4. Avoid Distractions

If you are trying to quit smoking and love to smoke at the coffee shop, stop going. If you are trying to work, get off Facebook. Pretty basic stuff. Do this and you will smash it out the ballpark.

3. Be Prepared for Detours

Life is full of twists and turns. They can be stressful or they can be fun; the choice is yours. If you plan for all the curve balls life throws at you in advance, you can still get a good start.

2. Do Not Procrastinate

I am the Queen of Procrastination so I say with confidence, “Don’t do it!” You may try to tell yourself that you will make up the work on another day, but it never happens. You fall further and further behind.

1. Smile

Put a smile on your face. It just puts everyone in a good mood and, if you are in a good mood, how can you not get a good start?!