7 Steps For Achieving Goals

By Mark Goulston

Step 1. Make it measurable. Decide exactly what you want. Be specific and make it iron clad. Your goal should be o clear that your kid should be able to tell you how close you are to achieving it.

Step 2. Write it down. Give it concrete form. People with written goals accomplish ten times as much as people who only have wishes and hopes.

Step 3. Set a deadline. You need a target to aim at if you want to achieve your goal. If your goal is big enough, set sub-deadlines as well.

Step 4. Make a list of tasks. List everything that you can think of that you could possibly do to achieve your goal. As you think of new tasks and activities, write them down until your list is complete.

Step 5. Prioritize. Organize the list by both sequence and priority. Arrange your list in the right sequence by determining what you will have to do first, before you move on to do something else. Organize your list by priority by determining what is more important and what is less important.

A list that is organized by sequence and priority is a plan. Voila! Now you have a goal and a plan, in writing. You are now ready to supercharge your future.

Step 6. Take action on your plan immediately. Do something. Do anything. Step out in faith. Think of any cliche’ that motivates you. Put the ball into play, but don’t swing for the fences the first time at bat. Make it a small step that is fairly easy to achieve. Go get some information or interview someone who does what you are hoping to do. Feel the energy and get some insights from someone you admire. The very act of taking on your goals begins a mental and an emotional process that can transform your life.

Step 7. Make daily progress. Do something everyday that moves you forward. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, do something, anything that moves you a little bit in the right direction. Small moves matter. This sense of forward momentum will energize and empower you and eventually make you unstoppable and irresistible.

Now go and build a great business!