Set and achieve goals.

This seven-step formula for goal setting and achieving will definitely lead you to success. Writing your goal down on paper and setting a deadline will act as motivators for you to actually achieve it. Coming up with a plan will help you structure and understand what you need to do to achieve your goal. Then, all you have to do is take action!

1. Decide exactly what you want.
   You may need to sit down with your boss and discuss your objectives, or you can decide your goals for yourself. If you’re having trouble making a decision, write down 10 goals you want to accomplish in the present tense (e.g., “I earn x number of dollars per year,” not, “I want to earn x number of dollars per year”). Then, move down your list, reading them aloud one by one. Pick the goal that would have the greatest positive impact on your life.

2. Write this goal down on a piece of paper.

3. Set a deadline for your goal.
   You can use sub-deadlines to help keep you on track if it is a long-term goal. These sub-deadlines can even be as short as a few hours. Constantly try to race against your own clock, and beat the deadlines you have set.

4. Make a list of what you have to do to achieve your goal.
   Whenever you think of new activities, add them to your list.

5. Organize this list into a plan.
   Organize each activity on your list by priority and sequence—use arrows to show the relationship between different tasks.

6. Take action now!
   Start doing something to achieve your goal, and start right now.

7. Resolve to do something every day that moves you toward your goal.
   No matter how big or small, take one step closer to your goal every day.