Whether taking on a new project, starting a new job, beginning a new relationship, retiring, relocating, or any new start, setting sail can be the most exciting and exhilarating part of the journey. The anticipation that comes with taking off toward your destination helps to propel you forward. However, setting sail may also be accompanied by challenges or feelings of anxiety and fear as you leave the safety of the known to risk stepping into the unknown. For me, the past two years have been a time of new beginnings. A move to a new city, getting settled in a new home, meeting new friends and colleagues, exploring a new area and learning a new language have marked many new opportunities. It has been an exciting adventure and a time that I have enjoyed very much. It has also been a tremendous learning experience and has challenged me in ways I'd never dreamed of when I began this journey. Following are four tips that have helped me during this time and that I hope will help you navigate more confidently and successfully as you set sail.

Four Tips for Setting Sail Successfully

1. VISUALIZE THE DESIRED OUTCOME. Get clear about the results you want to achieve. Take some time to think about your desired outcome and to visualize yourself having already achieved it. Think about what it will look like and how you will feel. Write down your goal and keep it in front of you to help you focus as you navigate your journey.

Ask yourself: What outcome do I want from this situation?

2. CHART YOUR COURSE. Create a plan that will guide you to your desired outcome. Taking time to plan will help you be more prepared for unexpected events that may happen along the way. Not only does a plan serve as a compass to guide you on your journey, but it also frees you from the constant pressure of deciding where to go next.

Ask yourself: Where do I want to go? When do I want to get there? What

3. TAKE ACTION. Decide that you will take action toward your dreams and goals. Taking action creates momentum and positive energy to propel you forward. Small steps taken consistently lead to big accomplishments. Whether it is a diet, an exercise plan, a major project or a college degree, the job is easier and less daunting when it is broken down into smaller steps. Decide that you will do one thing everyday for your dream.

Ask yourself: What is one thing I can do now to get into action?

4. ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Life cannot be collected. Happiness cannot be traveled to, earned, owned, worn or consumed. It is found in the present moment. Reward yourself for having the courage to try something new and look for ways to celebrate along the way.

Ask yourself: What will I do this week to have fun and celebrate my journey?

As mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream."

Smooth Sailing Success E-zine, a monthly newsletter, designed to bring you coaching tips and resources to support you in improving performance and achieving more of what you truly want in life.

Pat Morgan, MBA and Professional Coach, has 10 years experience helping teams manage organizational and cultural change. As President of Smooth Sailing, she supports individuals and organizations in managing change, improving performance and achieving excellence both professionally and personally. She has created and led workshops and seminars for organizations such as: the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and Rotary International.

coach@chartingthecourse.biz