One of my personal goals for this year is to run a 5K. I haven’t run since high school, so even though I want to start running because of the health benefits, the idea of a 5K seems very daunting to me. Usually when I decide to start running again, I map out a plan for reaching this goal in my mind. However, it typically does not become a reality.

A few weeks ago, our company hosted a Power Hour luncheon that really struck a chord with me. Jeff Jenkins of Blueprint Consulting Group spoke about his personal journey and shared his “journaling” approach to accomplishing goals. I left the Power Hour feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to start tackling my goals.

Jeff’s journaling method is very simple. He explained that we need to break down our long-term goals into short-term goals we approach 3 times per week, 12 times per month. One of his examples was his approach to running. It was very inspirational and motivating. I decided right then and there that I would implement this journaling approach in my own life.

June was my first month, and my goal was to run a quarter of a mile, 3 times per week for a total of 12 times during the entire month. It sounds pretty easy right? But hey, I’m taking baby steps! This month, I doubled the distance – running a half mile, 3 times per week, for a total of 12 times. In August, I will run a mile, and so on and so forth.

This process has really helped me get a great start on my goals. I am by no means finished yet, but it definitely makes me feel that my goals are more attainable.

If you have a long term goal that seems almost impossible to accomplish, why not try this journaling method?