Goal setting has always been a very dull subject for me

Whenever, someone was going to talk about goal setting, I pretty much tuned them out. I had heard everything there was to know about the subject.

But now I have learned something new about goal setting that almost guarantees that you will achieve your goals.

Business coaches always talk about the importance of setting goals in order to achieve success.

I am sure that most of you have heard the story about the graduating class of Harvard Business School. This took place many years ago. The graduating seniors were asked if they had set written goals they wanted to achieve after graduation.

Only 3% responded that they had established written goals. Many years later, the people in this class were interviewed again. It was determined that the 3% who had written goals had accumulated more wealth than the other 97% combined.

So setting written goals is obviously important in achieving success in any home business opportunity. My experience has confirmed that people are far more successful in life, business, and in accumulating wealth if they follow this principle. Failing to establish goals generally results in a lack of direction and failure to get where you want to go.

Just writing your goals is not enough

But I am here to tell you that just writing down your goals is not all that it takes. I have found that most people fail to achieve their goals even if they write them down. Why is that true? I'll get to that in a minute.

So what is the goal setting process that we must follow to achieve the goals in our lives?

This is the boring stuff - the stuff we have all heard before.

First of all, setting goals requires that you put your goals down in writing. Put your goal in the present tense, as though you have already achieved it.

It's important to be specific as to what you want to achieve. For example, don't be vague and make your goal "I am in the process of losing a lot of weight."

Assign a date for achieving your goal. If you are serious about achieving your goal, this gives you a deadline or a sense of urgency for reaching your goal.

With that in mind, write your goal as "I am in the process of losing 12 pounds by December 31."

You need to think big. You need to reach, but your goal must also be achievable. Let's say that you earn $30,000 in your job. Your goal is to significantly increase your income by December 31, 2008. I wouldn't set your goal at making $100,000 per year by that date unless you genuinely believe you can achieve that salary. A more realistic goal would be making $60,000. Once you have achieved the $60,000 level, your next goal can be $100,000 or higher.

So here is how you would write your goal:

"I earn $60,000 per year" or "I am in the process of making $60,000 per year." Put a date of 12/31/08 for achieving the goal. Don't worry about how you will achieve that goal for right now.

Just substitue any goal you want to achieve.

Now here is the big question

Do you really think you can achieve that goal? Writing your goals down is great. But if you don't actually believe that you can achieve your goal, then this entire exercise is meaningless and a total waste of time. That is why most people never achieve their goals - whether personal or business.

If you don't believe you can achieve your goal, then guess what - you won't.

So here is the key to achieving your goals

Just to let you know, this one thing has been a major factor in the success I have had in attracting the right people to my network marketing business.

You need to visualize. In your mind, see your goals as though they have already been accomplished. Think about how achieving the goal makes you feel. How does it change your life. Really think about it - feel it.

Does it allow you to start making your mortgage payment on time or even early instead of always being late? Think about how that makes you feel. Visualize mailing the check several days before the payment is actually due.

Are you able to start saving money? Visualize seeing your bank balance rise every month. How does that make you feel? Think of the things you can do with that extra money in your bank account - maybe a new car or maybe put more money into a 401K plan.

I am sure you are getting the point I am making. The key thing is to visualize achieving your goals.

Take 10 minutes a day to visualize. It may be difficult at first. But the more you do it, the easier it becomes. The end result - you will have total confidence you can achieve your goal.

I try to visualize everyday. I have big goals, big dreams. But you know what? I feel that I have already accomplished them. I am absolutely certain I will reach my dreams.

What a difference this will make in your life. For one thing, it gives you total confidence. If you are making $30,000 per year, you will believe deep down that you will soon be making $60,00 a year.

What do I need to do to know how to achieve my goals?

So if you are making $30,000, what steps do you need to take to achieve $60,000?

Believe me, you will attract the answers. As you proceed, your focus in on making $60,000. You will attract thoughts and ideas on how to achieve this. Soon you will be able to put together an action plan on reaching your goal. The Law of Attraction is at work.

Success will not come if you don't take action - by staying uninvolved. Success will come to those who take action and are persistent in achieving their goals. You must make a decision to reach your goals, get clear on what you want, and already feel victorious in the "goal setting battle."

Scott Hubbard has retired from 25 years as a Chief Financial Officer in Corporate America. He now enjoys teaching corporate professionals and network marketers how to apply attraction marketing online and how to generate free qualified MLM leads on the internet. 

He is happy to give a free consultation for those having a serious interest in being an entrepreneur.  You can reach him toll-free at 877-878-4036 or by email at Scott.Hubbard3@gmail.com.  You can learn more about Scott by going to his blog at http://www.YourGuideToRetirement.com.