You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is! 

In this exercise, I'm going to start you on a wonderful path of painting your dreams into reality.  I'm going to teach you the secrets behind setting – and achieving – your greatest ambitions.

Before we set off on this path together, let me make one thing very clear: The word "goals" can be intimidating – it can feel so overbearing that it keeps people from even beginning the process. So, let's instead think of goals as a "To Do List With Deadlines." 

Do the deadlines have to be tomorrow? Next week? Of course not. This is your To Do List for the rest of your life. Goals can be added to, subtracted from and – most importantly – scratched off the list – as you move through your life.

Here's a checklist to ensure you're using a successful framework to set your To Do List:

Your most important goals must be yours. Not your spouse's. Not your child's. Not your employer's. Yours. When you let other people determine your definition of success, you're sabotaging your own future. 

Your goals must mean something to you. When you write your goals, you must ask yourself, "What's really important to me?" "What am I prepared to give up to make this happen?" Your reasons for charting a new course of action give you the drive and energy to get up every morning. 

Your goals must be specific and measurable. Vague generalizations and wishy-washy statements aren't good enough. Be very specific!

Your goals must be flexible. A flexible plan keeps you from feeling suffocated and allows you to take advantage of genuine opportunities that walk in your future door.

Your goals must be challenging, exciting. Force yourself to jump out of your comfort zone to acquire that energy and edge. 

Your goals must be in alignment with your values. Pay attention to your intuition, your gut. When you set a goal that contradicts your values, something inside will twinge. Pay attention. 

Your goals must be well-balanced. Make sure you include areas that allow time to relax, have fun and enjoy people in your closest circle. 

Your goals must be realistic. Be expansive but don't be ridiculous. If you're four feet tall, you will probably never play in the NBA. Also, be sure to allow yourself time to get there. 

Your goals must include contribution. Unfortunately, many people get so wrapped up in pursuing their goals that they don't have time in their lives to give something back to society. Build this into your goals program.

Your goals need to be supported. Either selectivity share a few of your dreams with a number of people, or share all of your dreams with a select few people. In either case, you're creating a web of support and accountability for yourself. 

Go For the Gusto – 101 Goals!

It's time to get started on your master plan. Give yourself some quiet time, put on some relaxing music...and write down 101 goals. 

Open your mind to ALL the possibilities. Start each goal with "I am" or "I will." Don't even THINK about restricting yourself! To help you with this process, here are some key questions to ask yourself: