Life goals are good to have because they provide direction, but they can also trick you into taking on more than you can handle. Daily habits — tiny routines that are repeatable — are what make big dreams a reality.

What if you started thinking of your life goals, not as big, audacious things that you can only achieve when the time is right or when you have better resources or when you finally catch your big break … but instead as tiny, daily behaviors that are repeated until success becomes inevitable?

“I’m setting this aside as important and nonnegotiable because it’s going to [bring me success].”

Think of every day as an individual race for the rule you’ve set. Every race is unique. Completing your task—whether it’s exercise, cleaning your bathroom, or meditating—means winning the race. Don’t predetermine exactly how you will get your task down and win. You can visualize how you think it might go, yes, but don’t think it’s always going to go that way. Commit to doing whatever is necessary to win today, and prepare to do the same tomorrow. Keep your objectives fresh, and keep your methods flexible