"When I am willing to take a chance on me, do whatever it takes, thank those who have helped me along the way, and remember to pat myself on the back once the goal has been reached, I am fulfilled” – Heidi Richards

In 1979, Harvard Business School did a study of its MBA graduates. They interviewed the graduates and asked them if they had clear written goals with plans for their career when they left school. Only 3% had clear written goals with plans. 13% had goals but they were not written down and did not necessarily have a plan. 84% had no goals at all. Ten years later, Harvard did follow up interviews with the following results: the 13% who had goals were earning on average twice as much as those with no goals at all. The most enlightening part was that the 3% who had written goals were earning on average ten times as much at the other 97% put together! Setting goals can be challenging for many. However, as in the case of the above example setting goals is imperative to achieving what you want out of life. How good you are at setting and achieving goals depends on several factors. Some of the factors being, how badly you want to achieve a goal. How passionate are you for the outcome? How much are you willing to risk in order to achieve your goals. The Productivity Management System™ is a process I have used over the years to set and achieve nearly every goal I have ever wanted to achieve. Once you are successful, you become motivated and the chances of continued success greatly increase. This is part one in a three part series of articles on setting and achieving goals.

What have you already done? Make a list of those goals you have already accomplished. No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, putting your accomplishments in writing will motivate you. This exercise will “fuel the fire” to accomplish more goals. Once you’ve written goals down which you have already accomplished, you will be more apt to continue the journey to achieving your goals. Setting and achieving goals is one of the most satisfying parts of lifes. It helps build confidence, self assurance and strong character.

Setting goals can be challenging for many. However, as in the case of the above example setting goals is imperative to achieving what you want out of life. How good you are at setting and achieving goals depends on several factors. One of them being, how badly you want to achieve a goal. How passionate are you for the outcome? How much are you willing to risk in order to achieve your goals. The Productivity Management System is a process I have used over the years to set and achieve goals. Once you are successful, you become motivated and the chances of continued success greatly increase. This is part one in a three part series of articles on setting and achieving goals.

Ask yourself why you want to achieve a particular goal. Each of us has desires in life; they may be of the personal or professional nature. It is up to us as individuals to reach for those goals, but first we must know what it is we want to accomplish and perhaps more importantly, why? Why do you want to achieve a certain goal? Knowing the answer to that will help you crystallize the benefits and value to you as an individual, to really get behind the goal. Remember when you were a kid and you were asked to do something? The first question you probably asked was “WHY?” And in many cases, you were given a vague response (“because I said so”) or you were not given an answer at all. Human beings by nature seek answers. Knowing the answer to the “why” somehow makes it more worthy of doing.

You must have a clear understanding of what you can and cannot change. For instance, if you are short and want to add 6 inches to your stature, you may be able to change that about yourself with high heels or lifts on your shoes, but permanent change is not possible (yet). However, if you want to get a degree or to learn a new craft, once you know the steps and work toward the goal, it is highly possible you will achieve your goal.

Written goals are commitments you make to yourself. Goals should be written in the affirmative, present tense. They should be well defined, clear and written in as much detail as possible. When writing down your goals, list the possible obstacles to achieving your goals as well as solutions to those obstacles. Write down what you will have to risk/sacrifice in order to accomplish your goal. Write down what will motivate you to press on, inspire you to succeed. Make a list of resources available to you and resources you may need to accomplish your goal. List people who could help you in your goal planning and setting journey. And make sure you know exactly how you will celebrate your success once your goal has been achieved.

In order to achieve your goals you must have self-discipline, focus and a burning desire to succeed - to do whatever it takes to get a job done. You must be willing to take responsibility for your own actions and admit when you’ve made a mistake. You must be flexible and willing to change your course of action when necessary. Your goals must be specific and realistic. They should be challenging yet attainable. If you set your expectations too high, you will become frustrated and likely quit. Your goals should be measurable. If you want to write a book, you must pick up a pen and write, at specifically scheduled times. Remember that it’s those well thought out, written down plans that will ultimately achieve the most predictable results with the highest degree of success.

The article is based on the PMS – Productivity Management System™ a system that was developed to help you set and accomplish your life’s goals. When you join the Women’s ECommerce Association, International, you get the complete system including the PMS/GPS™ Goal Planning and Setting Chart - based upon the steps referenced in this article. Go to www.wecai.org – Basic membership is FREE.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards