4. Put your goals in writing. This simple act helps you clarify your goals and will allow you to visualize them more effectively. I recommend that you record each goal on a separate index card and review them twice a day – once in morning (when you first wake up) and again before you go to bed. Post index cards where you spend most time; on bathroom mirror, on frig., on your nightstand, etc. This process reinforces your goals, acts as a reminder, and drives your goals deep into your subconscious. In fact, this is one of most powerful strategies you can use to achieve your targets.

5. List benefits you intend to receive by achieving each goal. This will keep you focused and strong, particularly when you face inevitable roadblocks and barriers. In June, when I chose to lose 20 pounds, I listed 12 benefits, and when I had urge to put butter on my veggies or help myself to a second serving of food, I would review this list to help me get past that craving. I lost 22 pounds and two inches around my waistline to date. I think I will go for another 10 pounds. This was not a diet, just a lifestyle change. The more benefits you can list for your goals, more motivating those goals will become.

So my challenge to you to is to take time to plan your goals. Start with one goal and visualize it, write it down, and act on it. As I always say, “If you don’t invest time to set goals then someone else will do it for you. And I guarantee you won’t like their goals.” Invest time, start today!

* Lawyer(s) * Accountant * Tax expert * Business associate in non competing field * Retired executive * Association leaders * Customers

Note: Be very careful about whom you allow in your mastermind group. Ask yourself, “Who can help me achieve my goals through skills, knowledge, and honest feedback?” Honest feedback is key. You don’t want “yes” people around you; you want people that will give you positive feedback that will set you back on course for success.

4. Embrace Challenges World class athletes embrace all challenges as a way for them to move to next level. They have a “bring it on” attitude and you can see it in their eyes. They realize that spotlight is on them and they relish it. They are bold in their actions and are not afraid of making mistakes. If they make a mistake or have a defeat, they “own” them. What I mean by “owning their mistakes” is that they say, “I made mistakes today,” or “I didn’t play to my full potential today.” By taking ownership of their mistakes they take ownership for their actions. By taking ownership of their actions, they take ownership for improving their performance. They take time to learn from any setback.

What challenges are waiting for you at work? How can you improve your community by taking a leadership role? What challenges await you at home? Face them, embrace them, learn from them, and grow with them.

5. Don’t Ever Give Up! H. Ross Perot, billionaire businessperson and pass presidential candidate said following:

“Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success, they give up at last minute of game, one foot from a winning touchdown.”

How many times have we seen people overcome insurmountable odds to succeed? In sports, 2003-04 Detroit Pistons won NBA championship against mighty Los Angeles Lakers. The underdog Villanova University basketball team won NCAA College Basketball championship against powerful Georgetown University.

There’s story of Gaston Gaudio. Many of you may be asking, “Who is Gaston Gaudio?” Well, he is a 25-year-old tennis player from Argentina who turned pro in 1996. During that time he had, at best, what would be called mediocre results. Going into February of this year, he had a losing record on tour. Because he wasn’t winning, he barely earned enough money to get to next tournament. He asked friends in towns in which he was playing if he could sleep on their floors.

He had thoughts of giving up and going back to Argentina but he fought these off and wouldn’t give up. He believed that better things would happen. He earned a wildcard to play in one of four biggest tennis tournaments in world, French Open.

Then a funny thing happened. He started to win against best players in world. He won his way into championship match. He was to face one of hottest tennis players and fellow Argentinean in Guillermo Coria, #3 ranked player in world. Let’s say Gaston was not expected to win, much less be competitive.

The match started as expected with Gaston on losing end, 0-6 and 3-6. Even television commentators suggested that Gaston quit playing, stop embarrassing himself against Guillermo, and call it quits. But Gaston wouldn’t give up. Guess what? Gaston started winning games against Guillermo. He wouldn’t give up. He believed he could win more games…and he did. Then incredible happened…he won French Open.

Gaston, just a month earlier didn’t have enough money to stay in hotels, took home a $1 million paycheck and tennis world took notice. He won because he believed, persevered, and wouldn’t give up.

Do you believe in yourself, your goals, enough to defeat any obstacle that may get in way of your success? Take a hard look at your goals and say, as Gaston did, “I believe in myself and my goals. They are worthy of my efforts. No matter what naysayers say, no matter what obstacles get in way, I will not give up!”

Start today. Apply these tips and you too can have a “goal” medal life!