Identify WHAT it is you want and WHY you want it

This is step one! You might have an idea in your mind, but until you actually begin to write it out, your idea will stay as an idea. When you intentionally write out your “What” and “Why”, your idea begins to morph from concept to reality. 


Start by identifying what it is you truly want out of life and how that correlates into formulating goals for your business. 
Are you an 80-hour a week work horse or do you find that twice annual vacations, 4 day work weeks and brunches sound more appealing? This is the time to step into the role of being the architect of your own life and get intentional about what is is you want and WHY!

Map out HOW you plan on achieving what you want

This is where you dive deep into the specifics, but before you do, let’s look at how you can categorize these. 
As an example, let’s say your “What” and “Why” are to create a stunning website with a shopping cart that also allows you to accept payments and create shipping labels, all while allowing your customers to conveniently shop on your existing social channels such as Facebook and Instagram (if you don’t already know, Shopify is AMAZING for this).

Assuming you’ve already established your pricing strategy, organizing your “How” into specific categories might look like: (1) Landing Page Design (2) Catalogue Layout (3) Site Copy and (4) Photography. All of the other details such as product descriptions, about page, the types products you need to photograph, links throughout your site etc can then be plugged into each of those 4 main categories.

You can either use a project planning app, or better yet, the pen-to-paper method (you know we're all about that!) using a dedicated project planning or business planning spread!

Proactively keep yourself accountable

Set check points for yourself and make a plan to review your progress. Dedicate space in your schedule to not only work towards your goals, but to review your progress as well!
Sit down with a cup of coffee, tea etc and reflect on what went well, what challenges you had to navigate, what set backs you had to overcome and your ideas for improving upon or continuing on with your current process.


Consider habits and routines that may need tweaking and if an accountability buddy (or group!) would be helpful at keeping you motivated! 
If you identify areas or habits that are keeping you from moving forward towards your goal, then change it. It’s never too late. Perfect is not what you’re striving for –excellence is! 


Celebrate your wins!

A win is a win, no matter how small. Heck, reaching the end of this article is a win –you're here taking the time to intentionally yourself up for success! Make a point to celebrate your wins. Maybe this looks like sharing it with friends or family or within the Collected Community Facebook Group! Maybe it looks like acknowledging your milestones with a “Treat Yo’ Self” moment! Whatever it is, let it motivate you to reach your next milestone.
You’ve abso-frickin-lutely got this!

Go forth and slay!

PSST: Need to work on refreshing your habits + routines as you work towards your goals?
Download our Habit & Routines Workbook that's designed to help you discover routines you work and stick to them!