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Diana Cosby: A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goal! (Contest)
Friday, January 3rd, 2020

UPDATE: The winner is…Becky Ward!
*~*~*

By Diana Cosby ©2020

Happy New Year!!!

Dreams are visions of what we can become.  But dreams are also an invitation to doubt, to wonder if you’re good enough, or if you have what it takes.   When I retired from the Navy, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a published author.  After 100 rejections, I quit counting as I figured I knew how to achieve a rejection.  Then, after 9 ½ years, I finally sold.  The journey taught me many things, which I’d like to share with you.

-Take yourself seriously:  If YOU don’t, no one else will.

-Associate with people who inspire you, and encourage you to achieve your dreams.  Encourage and inspire others as you move toward your dream.

-Set a clear goal:  Once you know exactly what you want, break down steps to achieve it.  If you’re unsure how to start, read biographies of people who have achieved a dream similar to yours.   What steps did they take?  Are there comparable avenues you can pursue?

-Success is a compilation of small steps toward one focused goal.

-Affiliate yourself with professional organizations:  Join accredited groups to educate yourself about the industry you’ve chosen.  In addition to net-working, you will have opportunities to learn from local or on-line sources.

-Self affirmation:  Each morning reaffirm that you are good enough and clarify your goal of the day.  Then, move forward with positive, focused steps.

-Permission to fail:  Success is not a moment, but a journey.  As we grow within our craft, there will be times when we fail at a certain step.  Focus not on the failure, but on the lessons learned.  What worked, what didn’t?  Move forward and make wiser decisions with the knowledge learned.

-The way we act and talk about our goal reflects our commitment to it:  What are you telling yourself?  “I WILL do this!”  Or, are you assuring yourself that one day you’ll really try?

-Give the gift of example:  When you make the choice to follow your dream, you are doing more than commitment to self, but teaching your children an important life lesson — dare to dream, and follow through.  So, be bold.  Believe in yourself.

I hope you’ve found inspiration from my comments.  Remember, there is no right path, but the steps right for you.  Believe in yourself!

*How do you encourage others to go after their dream?

I sincerely wish everyone health, friendship and happiness for the New Year!

Contest

***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my guest blog post about, “A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goal!,” on Delilah’s blog between 3 January 2020 – 12 January 2020.  The winner will receive one of Diana’s mugs and a tote.

 

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
https://www.dianacosby.com/
The Oath Trilogy
MacGruder Brother Series
Forbidden Series: Forbidden Legacy/Forbidden Knight/Forbidden Vow/Forbidden Alliance/ Forbidden Realm‒14th April 2020

40 comments to “Diana Cosby: A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goal! (Contest)”

  1. Debra K Guyette
    Comment
    1
    · January 3rd, 2020 at 1:00 pm · Link

    I support them by encouraging them. Failure helps you on your path.



  2. bn100
    Comment
    2
    · January 3rd, 2020 at 3:07 pm · Link

    with support



  3. Becky Ward
    Comment
    3
    · January 4th, 2020 at 11:38 am · Link

    I give them encouragement. I also give support by giving them some creditable sources to refer to or if I know something that would help them I will give them my advice on what I would do or what I had heard which might help them. While talking to two different friends of mine, we all agreed on trying to stay away from people with negative attitudes, one friend told me she got rid of those people on her Facebook account too.



  4. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    4
    · January 4th, 2020 at 3:02 pm · Link

    Delilah,
    My sincere thanks for inviting me back to your wonderful blog to talk about, “Diana Cosby: A New Year’s Guide To Achieving Your Goal!” Take care, and may your New Year be filled with blessings!
    *Hugs*

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  5. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    5
    · January 4th, 2020 at 3:04 pm · Link

    Debra K Guyette wrote: I support them by encouraging them. Failure helps you on your path.

    ~Hi Debra, so nice to see you. Thank you so much for sharing. Encouragement is soooo important. Take care, and I hope you have a tremendous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  6. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    6
    · January 4th, 2020 at 3:07 pm · Link

    bn100 wrote: with support

    Hi bn100, I appreciate your stopping by and sharing. Support is tremendous in helping others as they work toward their goals. Take care, and may you have a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  7. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    7
    · January 4th, 2020 at 3:14 pm · Link

    Becky Ward wrote: I give them encouragement. I also give support by giving them some creditable sources to refer to or if I know something that would help them I will give them my advice on what I would do or what I had heard which might help them. While talking to two different friends of mine, we all agreed on trying to stay away from people with negative attitudes, one friend told me she got rid of those people on her Facebook account too.

    ~Hi Becky, thank you so much for stopping by. Encouragement, credible sources for reference, and your advice are wonderful measures to support your friends. And, I agree with your friend, keeping negativity out of your life is such a healthy choice. ^5 Take care, and wishing you a tremendous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  8. Ani
    Comment
    8
    · January 4th, 2020 at 5:21 pm · Link

    Thank you both for sharing
    Ani USAF Ret



  9. Nancy Gilliland
    Comment
    9
    · January 5th, 2020 at 11:23 pm · Link

    I support them by being an impartial sounding board without trying to influence them either way. I’ve had some great discussions with folks that way, and seen some decisions born.



  10. Liberty Ireland
    Comment
    10
    · January 6th, 2020 at 5:36 am · Link

    I share encouragement via posts, thoughts, kindness and example.



  11. flchen1
    Comment
    11
    · January 6th, 2020 at 2:12 pm · Link

    By listening and sometimes by pushing. I think sometimes we know what to do but it can be hard to get started, and it can help to have someone give you a shove 😉



  12. Julie Parrish
    Comment
    12
    · January 6th, 2020 at 7:03 pm · Link

    I listen to them, offer support and try to encourage them.



  13. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    13
    · January 8th, 2020 at 11:58 am · Link

    Ani wrote: Thank you both for sharing
    Ani USAF Ret

    ~Ani, thank you very much for stopping by, and my sincere thanks for your service. Take care, and wishing you a wonderful New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  14. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    14
    · January 8th, 2020 at 12:05 pm · Link

    Nancy Gilliland wrote: I support them by being an impartial sounding board without trying to influence them either way. I’ve had some great discussions with folks that way, and seen some decisions born.

    ~Hi Nancy, I appreciate your stopping by and sharing. I can see how being an impartial sounding board can lead to some interesting discussions. Wishing you a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  15. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    15
    · January 8th, 2020 at 12:10 pm · Link

    Liberty Ireland wrote: I share encouragement via posts, thoughts, kindness and example.

    Hi Liberty, thank you very much for stopping by. Positive support and kindness are a terrific way to encourage others to go after their dream. Take care, and I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  16. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    16
    · January 8th, 2020 at 12:14 pm · Link

    flchen1 wrote: By listening and sometimes by pushing. I think sometimes we know what to do but it can be hard to get started, and it can help to have someone give you a shove 😉

    ~Hi Flchen1, I appreciate your visiting. 🙂 At times a nudge in the right direction can make a huge difference in helping someone reach their goal. Take care and wishing you a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  17. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    17
    · January 8th, 2020 at 12:19 pm · Link

    Julie Parrish wrote: I listen to them, offer support and try to encourage them.

    ~Hi Julie, thank you so much for stopping by. Listening to someone and encouraging them can make a huge impact in their choosing to go after their dream. Take care, and may you have a tremendous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  18. Joye I
    Comment
    18
    · January 9th, 2020 at 1:04 pm · Link

    I text them every now and then to see how they are coming with their goals.
    I always set an easy achievable goal for myself. This year it is to read more of the Classics in Literature. Already started on Great Expectations



  19. Deborah D
    Comment
    19
    · January 9th, 2020 at 1:21 pm · Link

    I encourage them and tell them they can do whatever they want to do with hard work and determination.



  20. Lori Dykes
    Comment
    20
    · January 9th, 2020 at 1:22 pm · Link

    This was excellent Diana! I stand by them and encourage always. Act as a sounding board and give them feedback. Give examples of others who have achieved and do any research they need!



  21. Betty Gordon
    Comment
    21
    · January 9th, 2020 at 2:18 pm · Link

    My husband is working on his memoir. He hopes to have it published. I encourage him. He’s making great strides. I tell him to believe in himself. I just read “A New Year’s Guide To…” to him. We both got a lot out of it. I thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your article can apply to most people in whatever they endeavor!



  22. Charlene
    Comment
    22
    · January 9th, 2020 at 2:40 pm · Link

    I tell them to go after what makes them happy



  23. Robin Davis
    Comment
    23
    · January 9th, 2020 at 5:42 pm · Link

    I encourage them to be them selves. They ask for ad vice and I tel what I think would work. Most of them use my advise and further their future.



  24. Cynthia St. Germain
    Comment
    24
    · January 9th, 2020 at 9:34 pm · Link

    I support them. Goals are very important.



  25. Rhi
    Comment
    25
    · January 10th, 2020 at 7:17 am · Link

    thanks for sharing.

    I support others in their dreams. I serve as a sounding board and encourage them to go after what they want, while also injecting a little bit of realism into their dreams.



  26. Sally Schmitt
    Comment
    26
    · January 10th, 2020 at 9:59 am · Link

    Help them to keep their goals in mind. Stay away from anyone who would discount your goals. Stay away from negativity.



  27. Peggy Clayton
    Comment
    27
    · January 10th, 2020 at 1:55 pm · Link

    thank you for posting I don’t try to have very many i am 60 plus and am battling a disease RSD and it has crippled my fingers and entire limbs are swollen and has been that way for 30 plus years. I love to read so one of my goal and the only one i have is to read a new author every month also to talk to at least one of my kids who are in Ca every day that is kids and grandkids they all are in diff places but i dearly miss them so hearing them on the phone as i am in Ia is a huge thing for me besides my 2 cats and 2 pups and of course the hubby. Thanks



  28. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    28
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:05 pm · Link

    Joye I wrote: I text them every now and then to see how they are coming with their goals.

    ~Hi Joye, thank you so much for stopping by. Wonderful motivation for them that you check in to see how they are doing with their goals.

    I always set an easy achievable goal for myself. This year it is to read more of the Classics in Literature. Already started on Great Expectations.

    ~An excellent and enjoyable goal. Take care, and wishing you a tremendous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  29. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    29
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:08 pm · Link

    Deborah D wrote: I encourage them and tell them they can do whatever they want to do with hard work and determination.

    ~Hi Deborah, I appreciate your stopping by and sharing. Encouraging others in their quest to achieve their goal is wonderful. I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and wishing you a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  30. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    30
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:16 pm · Link

    Lori Dykes wrote: This was excellent Diana! I stand by them and encourage always. Act as a sounding board and give them feedback. Give examples of others who have achieved and do any research they need!

    ~Hi Lori, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. So glad you found the post helpful.
    Excellent tip of suggesting that they research what others have done to achieve the desired goal. Take care, and wishing you a wonderful New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  31. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    31
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:30 pm · Link

    Betty Gordon wrote: My husband is working on his memoir. He hopes to have it published. I encourage him. He’s making great strides. I tell him to believe in himself. I just read “A New Year’s Guide To…” to him. We both got a lot out of it. I thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your article can apply to most people in whatever they endeavor!

    ~Hi Betty, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. I’m glad you found the blog helpful.
    Wow, how exciting that your husband is writing his memories. He’s fortunate to have your steadfast support and encouragement. Please know I’m hoping that you and your husband achieve the goal of publishing his memories. Take care, and wishing you both a terrific New Year,
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  32. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    32
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:31 pm · Link

    Charlene wrote: I tell them to go after what makes them happy.

    ~Hi Charlene, I appreciate your stopping by and sharing. Positive encouragement is so important in helping others achieve their goal. Take care, and may you have a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  33. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    33
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:34 pm · Link

    Robin Davis wrote: I encourage them to be them selves. They ask for ad vice and I tel what I think would work. Most of them use my advise and further their future.

    ~Hi Robin, thank you so much for stopping by. Encouragement and advice are good ways to help others achieve their goal. Take care, and I hope you have a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  34. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    34
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:36 pm · Link

    Cynthia St. Germain wrote: I support them. Goals are very important.

    ~Hi Cynthia, I appreciate your stopping by and commenting. Supporting others working to achieve their goals is wonderful. ^5 Take care, and may your New Year be tremendous!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  35. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    35
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:40 pm · Link

    Rhi wrote: thanks for sharing. I support others in their dreams. I serve as a sounding board and encourage them to go after what they want, while also injecting a little bit of realism into their dreams.

    ~Hi Rhi, I appreciate your stopping by and commenting. Support, encouragement, and insight are good ways to help others achieve their dreams. Take care, and wishing you an excellent New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  36. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    36
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:44 pm · Link

    Sally Schmitt wrote: Help them to keep their goals in mind. Stay away from anyone who would discount your goals. Stay away from negativity.

    ~Hi Sally, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. Keeping your focus on your dream and staying away from negativity when working to achieve a goal is so important. ^5 Take care, and wishing you a fabulous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  37. Danielle McDonald
    Comment
    37
    · January 10th, 2020 at 3:51 pm · Link

    I give them positive vibes and encourage them to keep reaching for the stars if you really want it , it will happen



  38. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    38
    · January 11th, 2020 at 2:24 pm · Link

    Danielle McDonald wrote: I give them positive vibes and encourage them to keep reaching for the stars if you really want it , it will happen.

    ~Hi Danielle, I appreciate your stopping by and sharing. Positive vibes and encouragement can make a huge difference to someone who is working toward their goal. Take care, and may you have a terrific New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  39. Diana Cosby
    Comment
    39
    · January 13th, 2020 at 11:35 am · Link

    Delilah,
    My sincere thanks for inviting me back to your fantastic blog. And, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone for stopping by and sharing how they encourage others to go after their dreams.

    After a random drawing, the winner of the tote and mug is Becky Ward, congratulations! Becky, Delilah will be contacting you.

    Believe in yourself, dare to go after your dream, and I wish each of you a tremendous New Year!
    Sincerely,

    Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN, Ret.



  40. Delilah
    Comment
    40
    · January 16th, 2020 at 11:09 am · Link

    Congrats to Becky Ward! And thank you, Diana! As always, great blog!



Comments are closed.