Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible – Anthony Robbins
Have you looked back on the last year and thought shoulda, woulda, coulda ?
The most powerful practice that I begin with when coaching clients is requiring them to have clearly defined, written goals. Holding them accountable to the discipline of outlining what they want to achieve pays huge dividends.
In the book, “What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School,” by Mark McCormack, is a story about a study conducted by students in the 1979 Harvard MBA program. In that year, the students were asked, “Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” Only three percent of the graduates had written goals and plans; 13 percent had goals, but they were not in writing; and 84 percent had no specific goals at all.
Ten years later, in 1989, the members of the class were interviewed again, and the findings were amazing! The 13 percent of the class that had goals were earning on average, twice as much as the 84 percent who had no goals at all. If that is not reason enough to compel you … the three percent who had clear, written goals were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97 percent put together!
Despite the findings and proof of success, most people don’t have written, clear, measurable goals. It’s simply not enough to “have an idea” of what you want to accomplish, or “have it in your head” … unless, of course, you are okay with “doing about the same as you did last year” or “being close.”
If that notion is no longer acceptable to you, take time right now to write down what it is that you want accomplish. It doesn’t matter if you want to create financial freedom, more time with your family, start or grow your business or have the relationship of your dreams, get it on paper. You will be amazed at the results.
Here’s to accomplishing what you really want in life!