A Goal Without A Schedule is Just a Dream

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.