I’ve heard many times that anything that begins with a bang usually ends with a bang. What is implied here is that it takes slow, steady building to create something of value – you cannot do it fast. And that takes consistent effort, perseverance, dedication, commitment, and so on. But since individuals get weary of effort and often lose their interest before the mission is completed, how can you remain on course to accomplish whatever it is you set out to do?

This is the hard part and why so many people quit before their goals are realized. Perhaps you are on a path of becoming more fit. Maybe you signed up with a trainer at a fitness club or decided to attend a yoga class, or created your own program. All is well the first three or four weeks until you are worn out one night and decide to skip. Somehow, after that it becomes easier to skip and by the third month you hardly go at all. Sound familiar?

Perhaps your desire is to become healthier – your New Years Resolution. You decided on a plan that included lifestyle changes, dietary changes, exercise and nutritional support from nourishing supplements. You felt excited that now you were taking charge of your health and paying attention to your body’s signs to you that it’s important to do this. But gradually you let things slip, forgetting some of your dietary commitments, putting off picking up your next supply of nutrients, and sliding back into old lifestyle habits that you know do not serve your best health. It’s so easy to do, isn’t it?

Have you started a new business? Are you wishing to grow your business? Do you have projects in the works that have not been completed? Anything we tackle with a specific outcome in mind will take time, due diligence, commitment, and consistent action steps for success. Did you know that most people give up after going about 80% of the way? If they had simply remained on task for the last 20% of the journey they would have realized their dream. But the last 20% can seem the hardest – why so many give up just before their success manifests.

As creatures of habit it is vital that we begin deep inside to change our mindset. Call it priorities if you wish since that is basically what we are talking about. What is really important to you? Is it just lip service or is it a heartfelt commitment to a better life? Here’s a way to understand which path is the better path to choose. Always ask yourself this question in regard to anything in your life: Will this decision raise me up or will it pull me down? Then you know exactly what to do next, which way to go with any decision. You could rephrase the question to this: Which way serves my purpose or which way does not?

I used to live right behind Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. I saw him frequently during my college years and early adulthood when he was on his grounds or out and about Memphis where I lived at the time. I remember reading that during an interview he was asked what it was that kept him going when he was first attempting to break into the music scene. His answer was so simple when he replied “Perseverance”. His perseverance enabled him to change the world of music for ever as he became the King of Rock and Roll. And what is totally amazing is that even now, 31 years after his death, thousands throng to Graceland to pay tribute to him. I know because I was one of the throng in 2008! This is an example of what can happen when an individual perseveres and is consistent in following his/her desire.

From my own experience and by watching successful people I realized some keys necessary for making something happen; it involves several things. First of all, you must define what it is you want. Believe it or not, most people do not know what they want, they can only tell you what they don’t want. I find this true in my coaching practice. How can you ever achieve your dreams unless you have some?

Second, realize your dream then place an intention of what you want. Write it down, say it out loud, put a note on your mirror to remind yourself or create a vision board. Feel what it will be like once this becomes a reality. This keeps your desire in front of your face every day and keeps it alive for you. You are being consistent with what you want and your intention to manifest it. Thank God for the manifestation of your dream before it shows up. This kind of consistency brings dreams into reality.

Once you’ve realized your dream and placed the intention, simply let go of the reins and do not try to force it into reality while you go about your life – step three. Whoa! Now I bet I have your attention. There is literally nothing for you to do except wait! You’ve probably been told for many years that in order to achieve something you have to work hard to make it happen. You can do that, and it may or may not happen, but it will be stressful, tiring and lots of hard work. A better way is to simply let go of all details and allow it to unfold. When you do it this way it is stress-free and easy. Now it doesn’t mean you do nothing – you do continue to live your life. But when the door to your dream opens, that’s when you work hard, consistently hard! We so often do it backwards. We work hard to make our dream manifest instead of waiting until the dream manifests and then work hard. Having done it both ways I can attest to the latter being the best way.

Once your dream has manifested into reality and you are living it, be sure to offer gratitude for it consistently. Although you were thankful for it before it became reality, now is the time to acknowledge from your heart just how grateful you are. Gratitude is an expression of love, and wherever you focus your energy, more of the same shows up. So be consistent with following through with everything to which you commit. The consistent perseverance of a dream allows an individual to manifest any dream into reality!