Setting Your Goals

(c) 2002 by Cheryl Williams Levey, http://www.cherylsweb.com

Goals are the cornerstone to success. Without goals, you have nothing to strive for. When researching for the right opportunity or idea for you, you must have your goals in mind.

During the research process, your goals should be simple, but big. Additionally, you must include a time frame for reaching your goals.

What are your goals?

Determine your top ten, and then prioritize and focus on the top three. Write all ten goals down and post them next to your computer. Make the first three bigger and bolder. Write them as though they are true.

Examples:

• Within one year, I will work from home full-time, replacing my current income.
• I will triple my current income without leaving home by the time I turn 40.
• Within three years, I will work only four hours per day, and make more than I do now.

And these goals should mark specific dates and specific monetary amounts. Or maybe you aren't looking to actually quit your job and your goals are more like:

• My online business will bring in enough extra money to get out of debt completely within two years.
• Within six months, I will earn enough extra income to take the family on an incredible first-class vacation.
• In three months, I will be earning enough extra income to make playing golf several times a week affordable.
• My business will allow me to purchase a bigger home, nicer car, etc. within two years.

Note the use of the word "will" instead of words like "I want to" or "hopefully." You must believe that you will, not hope you can. Belief rises with every little step, but you must begin with the unshakable idea that you WILL succeed.

Make sure your goals are posted where you will see them many times every day.

Reading your goals reinforces the idea that you WILL be successful and reminds you to take the little steps that lead you to your goals.

Then, determine what those little steps are.

Make a Plan

So the goals are done and you are reviewing them several times a day. Great start, but it doesn't magically bring money into your bank account.

How will you reach your goals? What are the steps you will take?

Obviously, the answer to this question depends on your type of business, so the first step is to determine what you want your "end result" to be. Answer the question: Where do I want to be in 10 years? Then 5 years, one year? Break your "end result" into small pieces that can be easily completed in one day, one week, one month. And do them!

At the same time develop a marketing strategy and follow it religiously. Promote your business and expertise everywhere you are allowed. Every day. At least in some small way.

Believe me, little steps lead to huge strides in reaching goals. And then your goals become reality!

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