Using the PAT Method, you can start where you are and with what you have to begin a new journey. 

In the light of living the life you want, it begins with accomplishing the goals you set for yourself. Goal setting can be complicated for several reasons, but the PAT Method offers a new perspective on the disturbing thoughts you may experience.  

Oftentimes, we get caught up in the thoughts: “I should be farther in life than where I am,” “I have no idea where or how to start,” “why would I start when there are others better than me,” and thousands of more thoughts that stop us from achieving our goals. 

Here’s where the PAT Method comes in; PAT is a three-step acronym standing for the process: plan, act, and trust. 

Plan: Know Where You Are Going

Being transparent and specific about where you are headed helps get rid of the anxiety felt by a lack of direction. 

Lack of Direction Causes Fear

It is no doubt that we fear the unknown. It makes us uneasy when we can’t predict what’s coming next. While a bit of concern is expected, the excessive worry about the future can be Anticipatory Anxiety, a symptom of other anxiety disorders. 

Nevertheless, knowing your life’s direction will help silence your fears about the future. 

Envision Your Life, Then Go Backward

A great way to tackle this challenge is to envision your dream life, then plan the steps you need to take to bring it to your current reality. While it is a myth that our brain can’t tell the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined, seeing yourself accomplish your goals before it happens is a motivational tool. 

If you can see it in your mind’s eye, you can believe it; however, you must be realistic. In my opinion, there is some danger in being too optimistic and imaginary. You want a dream you can put into a plan. 

This Free Printable Goal Worksheet helps you envision your life, then plan backward to implement your goals. 

Act: Put The Plan Into Action

Faith Without Works is Dead

God spoke it best in James 2:17 “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” You can hope, wish, pray, and manifest all you want, but if you don’t put in that work, you won’t see any results. 

There is no way God will drop a blessing in your life without you doing the work on your behalf. Being that a farmer has to plant seeds for the harvest, you have to work for the results you want.

Affirmations Require Action

Consequently, New Age beliefs spread the false information that if you say an affirmation enough times, it will come true. Those affirmations require action to activate them into your reality. 

You can speak life into your plans, and your actions must follow what you speak. The process is how you begin to live the life you want. 

Trust: PAYtience Pays 

It Takes Time to See Growth

As a matter of fact, it takes nine months to grow a full-term human baby; then, we spend the rest of our lives growing older. Only over time can you see how much you have grown since an earlier age. This example goes to prove that it takes time to see growth! 

Additionally, the same logic must be applied to your life’s goals. They will not be accomplished overnight. Learning how to be patient pays off. 

The Law of Cause and Effect

Without a doubt, everything you do now has an impact on your later. There is no way to escape The Law of Cause and Effect. Knowing this law brings your focus to what you are doing now. 

Considering that you can have a clear vision of where you want to be in the future, you can take steps that lead to that place. Your journey becomes not about reaching the destination but focusing on being present with the steps in between.  

All things considered, planning your dream life begins with accomplishing the goals you set for yourself. When you know where you’re headed and take the steps, you will find the space that began in your imagination.