As a follower of great writers and speakers such as Dale Carnegie and Robert Kiyosaki, I believe in simplicity. Keeping thoughts, guidelines, methodologies and actions as simplistic as I can, allows me to invest more of my energy in the task at hand; rather than on deciphering any complex jargon at the time. You’ll find the following information about goal setting and will power to be just so; simple and effective.

Over the years, many authors have identified different steps necessary to achieve certain things in life. Some tout on the aspects of achieving an ideal weight. Others play to the wealth-driven workforce and outline the steps to ‘getting rich’. There is no set protocol for the step that will be discussed in this paper. The protocol is simple, understandable and, most importantly, universal. It can be applied anywhere, by anyone, to anything.

Numerous people have spoken to me recently about what goals they have set for themselves for 2009. Many have aspirations to lose weight; the holiday bulge affects us all to some extent. Others have goals to enhance the relationship with their spouse; more quality time and less arguing. Yet the most common tale of woe and the contrary goal that is wished for is more money; work harder, get a promotion and earn more money! These goals have absolute appeal and do apply to a large portion of the population. This begs the question then, why do so many people underachieve when it comes to attaining the thing they desire most?

As stated earlier, the protocol here is not complicated. The number one reason that people underachieve and miss the target when discussing goal attainment is because of will. The phrase is very old and still very true; “where there is a will, there is a way”. If a person has not got the will (a.k.a. desire, craving, burning passion to ascertain) to achieve something, obviously, no ‘way’ will become apparent. It is universally proven time and time again; those who chase their ambitions with absolute passion and determination tend to find ways to achieve them.

For example, Clair wants to lose 25 lbs, but has absolutely no will to alter her lifestyle in such ways as to allow for this goal to be achieved. If she does not actively go about trying to create this change, it will not happen. Guaranteed. Opportunity will present itself to those who are seeking it. If, for example, Clair were to make some changes in her diet, commit to engaging in a little more physical activity each week and be consistent in her approach, ways of achieving her goal will become apparent and easily attainable. Achieving any goal a person sets his/her mind to is not the result of copious quantities of intelligence, money, capability or time. Achieving a goal is a function of will power. Having the will to do what others in your situation cannot or will not is what will set you apart from the crowd.

You can achieve your goals with will power. Let me reiterate that very important phrase; you can achieve your goals with will power. It is absolutely true. It will take time, effort and probably a whole lot of pain, but it can and will happen if you intend it. Think of it this way; when the Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was training to win the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding title, his chest did not get larger because he would do 10 push-ups, stop to say “I’m tired now, that’s good enough”. The best and biggest results occur when you push the envelope. Arnold would never stop at 10 – he’d complete 30 or 40, until he nearly passed out. NO PAIN NO GAIN. That statement applies to nearly every facet of life – including goal achievement.

To achieve ones goal of, for example, losing 10lbs, it does not take an incredible amount of intelligence or money or even time. It is simple to achieve any goal you set for yourself. It comes down to desire. How important is this goal and does it take a priority position in your life? If the goal is worth achieving to you, than the importance level you place on that goal will be enough to drive you towards achieving it. Consistently and without disruption, until you attain it.

Armed with this knowledge, one might begin to believe that goal setting is impractical and unnecessary; since it is the will to take action that will begin to bring about results, not goal setting.

This belief is false. Setting a goal and writing it down is a crucial first step in identifying what it is that you desire. The action plan for achieving that goal is secondary.

For those individuals who crave a more methodical approach to things, the following is a guide written for you. Outlined below is a 5 step process to help you on your way to identifying your “where there is a will, there is a way” mentality.

1.  State your goal (be specific) and write it down with an anticipated achievement date (day, month and year).

2. Break the goal down into ‘chunks’ (i.e. what various things will need to be completed in order to achieve the main goal). Set an anticipated achievement date for these various ‘chunks’.

3.  Get Started! Take Action NOW! A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to goal achievement.

4.  Review your progress from time to time and adjust your action plan accordingly.

5.  Reward yourself for achievements. Little achievements deserve little rewards, big achievements deserve big rewards.

Believe that your aspirations will be realized, as long as you intend it to be so. Opportunities will be presented to those who seek them out. Get started today.