Goals stem from desire. Goals are the conceptual manifestation of desires. When you put goals into your world, you have made a commitment to get somewhere. What you must do also is make the commitment to do what it takes to reach your goals. It is easier to first describe not having goals. Not having goals means not having direction or purpose; the proverbial ship without a rudder. Therefore, having goals means having a purpose and a direction.

Goal setting is the commitment; strategic planning is understanding the rules, mapping the plan, and employing discipline. This is what gets and keeps you there.

The Process

1. Start by describing what you want. Do you wish to be a successful entrepreneur, wealthy, healthy, self-sufficient, a Vice President, or a good husband/father'? Whatever it is that you want, write it down (and be specific). Next, list the benefits to you that will result from achieving your goals. List the benefits to others that will result, as well (this will be important when reviewing).

2. Place specific time frames on goals. The reason that people resist this is because they are afraid of disappointment. Non-achieving the time frames does not mean failure. It means either your expectations were out of reach or you need better efforts.

Efforts are as important as goals; achieving goals is a result of successfully directed efforts. They also create a form to channel energy in a (optimally) constructive way. Remember, you didn't fail if you missed, your plan did. But, you can't change anything that you can't measure. Monitor how things are proceeding by watching timed goals. The only failure is failing to try!

Long Range - 5 year List what you want to achieve in that time, e.g. ownership of 3 offices, etc.

Intermediate Range - 1 year List same, e.g. one office with sustainable profits.

Short Range - 1-3 months List tasks to be accomplished, e.g. consistent sales

Near Immediate Range - 1 week List duties, goals, e.g. run ads, hire 2 people, train 2 people.

Immediate Range - 1 day List all automatic daily requirements, e.g. make coffee, pay bills, answer the phone calls, see potential customers.

Next, set up a way to monitor the results of all efforts. For example, what is our cost of each type of lead/sale, what is our response rate (how many leads can we get from that lead type). Then, you will have a framework. Look at each goal and determine what you have to do to get there, and what means you have with which to do it.

Finally, list a contingency plan ("Plan B") for action, in the event that any step does not go as expected.

3. Are you willing to pay the price to get what you want? "No pain, no gain", is as true as, 'You don't get something for nothing." To get something that you currently do not have will mean giving up something, as well. If you keep doing things the same old way that you have been, then things will stay the way they are.

For example, more income than out-go. All of your time is now somehow booked. Some or most of your available time from that portion of your life must be sacrificed for the sake of a goal. Look at the ballerinas who give up their time and trivial pursuits. It takes discipline to achieve. Discipline entails persistence, patience and faith. Balance is necessary to accelerate achievement.

Don't lose sight of your other needs, like recreation and family. You can see sacrifice in the life of any successful person.