1) Visualize your success. I ran through in my mind what is was going to be like being in the water again (I skied often as a kid), and recalled memories of all the times I successfully got up on skis.

2) Enlist the right help. I have to remind myself repeatedly that every successful person has people who help them achieve their success. In this case, I needed my sister's help to find someone with a boat, and more than that, someone with lots of experience pulling skiers.

3) Don't overthink it. When the time came, I got in the water, put on the skis, and didn't hesitate or overthink things.

4) Assemble a cheering section. I was fortunate to have my wife, my son, my sister, and my mother with me to cheer me on.

5) Know your limits. When I was young, I could ski on one ski, but now at the ripe old age of 60, I figured I shouldn't press my luck. So I made the decision to stay on two skis and enjoy the ride. Wiping out on one ski would have not been fun!

How will you apply these tips to achieving your next goal?