The Experts Agree – This One Thing is the Single Most Important Key to Success

Virtually every peak performance coach from sports to business preach the importance of clearly defined, compelling goals. Without goals, distractions and discouragements rise up and steal potential.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” – The Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland

That’s why no successful organization or individual simply wakes up each day and wanders around hoping something good will happen. They aren’t competing for a “participation” trophy. They know life doesn’t grade on a curve and they’re working to win.

When the stakes are high, compelling goals, clear objectives and thoughtful planning are the essential foundation for effective action.

It sounds simple. But there is both science and art involved in proper goal setting.

Most people are casual and haphazard (at best) when it comes to their goal setting. We don’t think it’s because people are lazy. Rather, we live in a hyper-stimulating world of rapid fire distractions. Who has the patience and focus to set goals? Just keep moving!

This VERY DANGEROUS. But if you’ve read this far, congratulations! Most people skim, surf, toggle and amuse themselves through life. Then they wake up one day in a rest home with lots of time to wonder what their life was all about. Wouldn’t it be better to slow down and think about it all up front? We think so. After all, unlike football, where there is always next season, you only get ONE life.

That’s why we’re offering our Goals Retreat in just a few short weeks. If you’re a committed goal setter, then you already know the value of getting away at least once a year and “imagineering” your life. This 2-1/2 day retreat is a perfect opportunity to get away and focus on your future.

But if you’ve never set goals or have only done so sporadically, but understand the importance, then we strongly encourage you to trust your instincts and enroll today. It could just turn out to be one of those “turning point” events in your life. Or you could stay home and take down holiday decorations. Decisions, decisions.

If you’re a fan of our radio show, then we assume you want to be a successful real estate investor. But is more real estate what you REALLY want? Be honest.

If you could have the profit and cash flow WITHOUT the real estate, wouldn’t you take it? Isn’t the money what your REALLY after?

No, it isn’t.

Isn’t it more accurate to say that what you really want is what you think the money will buy you in terms of possessions, experiences, freedoms and opportunities?

If you’ve already achieved financial independence, then maybe you’re looking for the next mountain to climb.

The point is that success is so much bigger than money. Isn’t it really all about your lifestyle and a sense of accomplishment and contribution?

Yet, one man’s prison is another man’s palace and vice versa. That is, “success” isn’t a one size fits all concept. It’s highly personal. And if you get it wrong, no matter how many accolades others throw at you, you’re still unfulfilled. We’ve all seen “successful” people who throw it all away because deep down they’re really miserable – in spite of their achievement. They arrive at a destination which didn’t fulfill them.

Our point is this: Before you go off and risk thousands of dollars and years of time striving to “succeed”, wouldn’t you agree it’s important to take some time to really think seriously about what your deepest values and highest aspirations are, and then design a life where you live out those values and achieve those aspirations?

Of course, all of that is hard work. Most people don’t have the patience or discipline to do it. Others think it’s just a bunch of motivational mumbo jumbo. But these people will likely never build businesses, lead organizations or win championships. The people who accomplish things learn how to properly set goals which COMPEL them to take effective action.

A goal without action is merely a dream.

Dreams are great, but without action, they don’t come true. And without a powerful, compelling inner motivation, most people don’t have the tenacity to succeed. They lose faith or interest long before success arrives.

So what’s the secret to success?

First, you must dig deep into your heart and uncover your most powerful, compelling dreams. These provide the energy to fuel your forward motion.

Next, you must convert your dreams into clear, quantifiable goals. These are the milestones which mark the road to your ultimate success.

Then you must develop strategies and tactics to achieve those milestones, being careful to make adjustments and manage your psychology along the way. Otherwise, obstacles and discouragement derail your dreams. This is where your “Master Mind” group can be the difference between success or failure.

While there are lots of books and training tapes available on the HOW of goalsettting, but that’s only part of it.

It’s also important to put yourself in the right emotional state and environment where you’re able to put the training into action. Remember, KNOWING how to do something isn’t actually DOING it. And it’s ACTION, not knowledge, which produces results.

If you’d like help in developing compelling goals for 2012, then invest in your future by enrolling in Creating Your Future – The 2012 Goals Retreat.