Getting To Goals

I started another art class today.  This time it's figure drawing (I'd like to improve my drawing and then go back to painting figures).

There were points during the class that I had those familiar thoughts that I've had before in art class (what the hell are you doing here?  You're not an artist?  You're just fooling around, wasting your time).  And then as the class progresses and I see that maybe it is worth it or that I'm worthy of it, I feel a positive energy and get excited about the possibilities of making art.

Going after something you want feels like that sometimes.  In the beginning we wonder what we're doing trying, that it's so hard so improbable that we must be fooling ourselves but the further we go in the process the more we can see the possibilities of attaining our goals.

Here's some advice I got lately about reaching a goal, which I liked.

1. Have a vision of where you want to be.  See yourself there.  Doing or being what you want.
2. Know that you deserve that goal.  This is not always as easy as it sounds, especially when you have a big dream or goal.
3. Identify the barriers/issues that are holding you back - you don't want to go through the hard work, you don't want to give up something comfortable, etc. then make the tough decisions and come to terms with those decisions.
4. Put yourself first, or better said, get the support you need to get to your goals.  This is hard for moms, we tend to put our kids first.  But I think just as you need to put your oxygen mask on first and then help your kids, you need to be whole, healthy and centered before you can be the best mother to your kids.

I'll be thinking about these as I move forward with my art and other goals that I have in mind.  :)

How about you?  What are your goals/dreams?