There’s an old story that goes like this. You can take an unmotivated person, take him (or her) out to the middle of a lake, hold their head under water for a few seconds and an amazing thing happens. They suddenly become the most motivated, focused, and determined person in the world!  What caused this total transformation?

Well, they suddenly had a goal - to get another breath of air. But, behind that goal were three additional pieces. First, they had a very clear VISION of what both success and failure might look like. Second, they had a REASON for achieving their goal. And third, they developed a STRATEGY for reaching their goal - it may not have been elegant or graceful, but by screaming and thrashing and flailing away they hoped to get that next breath of air. That’s how we achieve most things in life.

Let’s talk about setting goals for 2010 - sales, time off, family time, etc.  Write them down, stick to them, and “be Ruthless and determined (like the guy in the lake) to achieve your goals”. Goals must be written to be powerful and compelling; they must be measurable and have a deadline. You also need to have action steps for each goal.  I read my goals daily; it helps me to stay focused or to get back on track if I’ve drifted off course. You must do that too.

Your challenge: Write at least 2 business goals and 2 personal goals. Add at least 2 action steps that you will take in the first quarter that will lead you toward achieving your goals.

Posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 11:40 am and is filed under Whats New In the Bullhorn Community?.