Coaching people I help them uncover their opportunities and obstacles. The single biggest obstacle for people is unclear goals. Why aren’t they clear – they’re not written down! Sounds simple right, but when you miss this important first step it’s easy to drift aimlessly in generalities without the capacity to look 3, 5, or 10 years ahead with focused direction.

Opportunities are often missed when your goals are vague and not in writing!

God gives us clear direction on this topic:

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5

Gain the power to achieve your goals by reading, Write It Down Make It Happen by Henriette Klauser. My worldview as a Christian doesn’t align in all aspects with the author suggestions, but the premise of diligent planning is Biblical.

Your brain is wired to achieve your goals. Did you know the reticular activating system (RAS) sends the urgent stuff to the active part of the brain, and sends the non-urgent to the subconscious?  This helps mediate transitions from relaxed wakefulness to moments of high attention. It also plays a remarkable role in our filters to help achieve your goals.

A common example of filter/focus/attention is what we experience if you buy a blue Honda Civic. Once you have one, you notice them everywhere. Your filter changes based on an event, your focus and attention follow!

Putting a goal in writing is the same. It sets up a filter that helps you focus and direct attention to achieve your goals.

Achieve your goals by starting here:

1            Write:  the essential first step

2            Clarify: Are these 1, 3, 5, or 10 year goals?

3            Prioritize:  Filter down to a maximum 6 goals. Simple enough to fit on the back of a business card!

4            Review:  Attend to your goals. Look at them daily. Carry them on a business card in your wallet, on your bathroom mirror, in your car etc.   Refocus every 6 months as required.

5            Action Take action! Wanting something is never enough. Successful people don’t make excuses. They take responsibility for their actions and the results they achieve.

Use this advice: write down your goals and take these five steps to achieve your goals. Allow God to use you and guide your steps using your uniqueness!

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

Henry David Thoreau

Attitude: Use the amazing power of your brain to filter/focus and achieve your goals

Action: Order and read this book.

Question: What are your goals to make a difference?

Resource: Write It Down Make It Happen: Knowing What You Want And Getting It by Henriette Anne Klauser