Goals are intentional. They are a strategy, a map, and a blueprint for having what you want in life. It's often been said that 'those who fail to plan, plan to fail.' Bill Cole says, "A dream without a goal is just a wish."

It is with this spirit that I have asked my clients and now am challenging you to think about both your short-term and long-term goals. It is important to understand that often the short-term goals are the stepping stones to the bigger ones.

What were your resolutions back in January? Do you recall? Have you attained them? If so, congratulations! If not, you still have the rest of the year to make them a reality. Why not start now?

What do you want life to look like at the end of this year? Will it be a struggle? Will it be chaotic and lose all significance in the Holiday rush? Will you overspend or charge when you shouldn't? Take the time now to plan out a strategy to take you through the rest of the year. Are you going to have a party? Plan it now. Do you make gifts? Make them now. Do you want to just get away? Reserve it now. 

The New Year may seem far away, but it is coming quickly, I guarantee that.  Is 2001 going to be the year you lose that extra weight? Stop smoking? Find a job you love? Develop a healthy relationship? Start a new business? 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO GET WHERE YOU WANT TO GO?

People fail because they do not have a strategy for achieving their goals. They may take action, but not have a plan. Or they may have a plan, but take no action. Now is the time to begin thinking about what your goals for 2001 are, making a plan to achieve them, and developing an action strategy so that you create the discipline necessary to sustain them. The pole vaulter, Bob Richards, puts it this way, "Goals give purpose. Purpose gives faith. Faith gives courage. Courage gives enthusiasm. Enthusiasm gives energy. Energy gives life. Life lifts you over the bar."