There are many books, publications, speakers, and motivators that make
money preaching the steps to success. Some are right on the mark, others
have so little logic that they nearly exist on an ethereal plane. However,
almost all resources that teach success, focus on the importance of setting
goals. Even more importantly, they focus on the steps necessary to achieve a
goal. From landing on the moon to running the four minute mile. All started
out as goals, and found the resources and schedules necessary to achieve
success.
When setting a goal, it is important to realize that the goal must be
achievable and quantifiable. Merely stating that you want to lose weight is
not a goal. It must be quantifiable and have a date associated with it. The
goal, "I will lose ten pounds by May eleventh" would be an example
of an appropriate, quantifiable, and achievable goal.
The reason that the quantity and time are necessary are to solidify the
schedule and steps necessary to achieve the goal in the time allotted. If
you say you will lose weight, but do not set a date, then you may remain the
same weight for years without any progress. By setting the date, you at
least imply that there is a schedule, and a number of steps necessary to
achieve your final goal.
After setting you goal, list out the steps necessary to achieve results.
Back schedule them to fit within the time you have available. Set small
achievable increments that will allow you to work up to your accomplishment.
Put together a schedule that will allow you to achieve your goal. Evaluate
the schedule, and the resources that you will need to accomplish your
desire.
Evaluate the schedule that you have put together. Make sure that it is
reasonable, and that you will commit yourself to following it. Determine if
you have the resources that you need available, and what other resources you
will need to make the final accomplishment. Finally, commit yourself to
accomplishing that goal, and set yourself to work.
Do not procrastinate, you are on a tight schedule. Do not vary from your
underlying vision. Do however write your goals down and review them often.
As time and results change, periodically update both
your ultimate goal and your schedule. By focusing on the steps necessary
to reach your ultimate goal, and being cognizant of your schedule, you will
achieve all of your desires.
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