If you are taking the time to read this, chances are you are a person who has a few success goals that you're striving for. I commend you for that. Success in any area does require goal setting and oftentimes creating an action plan that propels you toward those goals. But what about when you feel like you are on your path to success and feel stagnant or stuck in the same spot you were in last week, month, or last year? What do you do then?

"I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden"

There's an old song which echoes these lyrics. Anytime I hear it, I'm at a loss to embrace the sentiments in the song line with enthusiasm. I think "But I want to be promised a rose garden!" The truth is that we are not promised optimal situations and conditions throughout our lives. There is no Santa Claus handing us our desires on a silver platter and the old saying, "You can't have everything you want" holds true in many cases. 

Basically, what I'm saying is that life will never be exactly as we hope for and that is alright. Things will happen that we didn't plan for, things won't always go as planned, and it is important for each of us to understand that despite this, it's really OK.  Life is still amazing and inspiring and can be beautiful despite setbacks, failures, trials and temptations.

Growth requires perseverance

I love this statement: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." This is a profound statement! Learning to dance in the rain ought to be our goal. If happiness and peace is what we're really after (and most of us are), then it is vital to understand that happiness is found in the journey despite outward circumstances. In this statement, the rain symbolises trials, setbacks, frustrations and life isn't about focusing on those things, but about dancing in joy and contentment despite them. It is persevering through the unfortunate occurrences and choosing to smile and enjoy the moment. It is optimal growth.

Do not lose heart

Life is full of twists and turns and some of them involve unexpected situations that may cause you to struggle with fatigue, frustration, sadness, and hopelessness. What I want to offer you is encouragement NOT to lose heart when these things show up in your life. Know that some things will not go as expected and keep moving forward anyway. There will always be something not quite right or where you want it to be in life. If you put your focus on what IS going right or what you've already accomplished, your mental attitude will be so much better. You will be able to feel gratitude and contentment no matter what you are surrounded with or how long it's been since you have been trying to reach that goal. You will be able to feel secure and joy while on your journey. Do not lose heart.

Take inspired action

Having goals are wonderful and I believe every person ought to create some short term and long term goals that they are working toward. In addition to creating goals, it is important to create an inspired action plan that will help you attain those goals. By inspired I mean steps that are inspired and mean a great deal to you. Take inspired action toward your goals so that you can create forward momentum toward them. As you take even the smallest step toward your goals, your energy propels you forward and the momentum is well able to carry you over some minor bumps in the road.

As you move forward, you activate the law of attraction and these powerful forces go to work with you in bringing forth your desires and dreams. No matter what the outside circumstances are, inspired action ought to be taken so that you are continually moving in a forward motion.  The right conditions to thrive and prosper are in your mind and not necessarily in outward circumstances. If your attitude is in alignment with your goals, you're already well on your way to accomplishing them.

Just do it

Is it taking longer for you to accomplish that goal? Just keep taking the next right step.

Are you frustrated with obstacles and setbacks? 

Learn the art of dancing in the rain. 
Trust the process and the journey.
Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going.
Smile, knowing you will accomplish your goals in due time.

Think about a garden. It is important to have good soil to produce good fruit, but the soil does not have to be perfect to bring forth a harvest. The same goes for you. Your life doesn't have to be perfect or problem free before you can reach your goals, enjoy contentment and happiness, or bear fruit. Focus on what is good and what is going right and continue to take inspired action toward your goals. Just do it; no matter what conditions you find yourself in.