Too often we adopt an all or nothing attitude. We put off doing things that would further our success and happiness, waiting for ideal circumstances or postponing our efforts until we can devote a large chunk of time. Or, we divide our time and energy between so many good causes that we can barely catch our breath. Regardless the reasons, we feel disheartened when we don't get to where we want to go.

This year, start moving towards achieving your deepest desires. Refrain from jumping into a "Jack Rabbit" start and stop pattern. Instead, take off on "The Tortoise Track." Small steps, consistently taken over a longer period of time will move you across the finish line. Les Brown says, "You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."

Five Questions You Must Answer to Get Started on Your Journey

1. Why do I need to set goals?
"If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else." -- Lewis Carroll

2. What do I want to accomplish?
"The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break." -- Rick Hansen

3. Why is this important to me?
"The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment." -- Earl Nightingale

4. Who can I ask that could assist me?
"Perhaps the most important word in success and happiness is the word, 'ask.' Ask for what you want. Ask for help, ask for input, ask for advice and ideas - but never be afraid to ask."
-- Brian Tracy

5. What one thing can I do "today" that will move me one step closer to achieving my goal?
"It is those who concentrate on but one thing at a time who advance in this world." -- Og Mandino