Mark Victor Hansen

I've told people thousands of times that they've just go to ask for
what they want. And I find that most people only have one problem
with this directive...They don't KNOW what they want!

You can't ask for what you want unless you know what it is!

In this exercise, I'm going to start you on a wonderful path of
painting your dreams into reality. I'm going to teach you the secrets
behind setting – and achieving – your greatest ambitions.

Before we set off on this path together, let me make one thing very
clear: The word "goals" can be intimidating – it can feel so
overbearing that it keeps people from even beginning the process. So,
let's instead think of goals as a "To Do List With Deadlines."

Do the deadlines have to be tomorrow? Next week? Of course not. This
is your To Do List for the rest of your life. Goals can be added to,
subtracted from and – most importantly – scratched off the list – as
you move through your life.

Here's a checklist to ensure you're using a successful framework to
set your To Do List:

Your most important goals must be yours. Not your spouse's. Not your
child's. Not your employer's. Yours. When you let other people
determine your definition of success, you're sabotaging your own
future.

Your goals must mean something to you. When you write your goals, you
must ask yourself, "What's really important to me?" "What am I
prepared to give up to make this happen?" Your reasons for charting a
new course of action give you the drive and energy to get up every
morning.

Your goals must be specific and measurable. Vague generalizations and
wishy-washy statements aren't good enough. Be very specific!

Your goals must be flexible. A flexible plan keeps you from feeling
suffocated and allows you to take advantage of genuine opportunities
that walk in your future door.

Your goals must be challenging, exciting. Force yourself to jump out
of your comfort zone to acquire that energy and edge.

Your goals must be in alignment with your values. Pay attention to
your intuition, your gut. When you set a goal that contradicts your
values, something inside will twinge. Pay attention.

Your goals must be well-balanced. Make sure you include areas that
allow time to relax, have fun and enjoy people in your closest
circle.

Your goals must be realistic. Be expansive but don't be ridiculous. If
you're four feet tall, you will probably never play in the NBA. Also,
be sure to allow yourself time to get there.

Your goals must include contribution. Unfortunately, many people get
so wrapped up in pursuing their goals that they don't have time in
their lives to give something back to society. Build this into your
goals program.

Your goals need to be supported. Either selectivity share a few of
your dreams with a number of people, or share all of your dreams with
a select few people. In either case, you're creating a web of support
and accountability for yourself.

Go For the Gusto – 101 Goals!

It's time to get started on your master plan. Give yourself some quiet
time, put on some relaxing music...and write down 101 goals.

Open your mind to ALL the possibilities. Start each goal with "I am"
or "I will." Don't even THINK about restricting yourself! To help you
with this process, here are some key questions to ask yourself:

What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
Where do I want to go?
What contribution do I want to make?
What do I want to learn?
Who do I want to meet and spend my time with?
How much do I want to earn, save and invest?
What will I do for fun and optimum health?
This process may take two hours. It may take two weeks. Don't stop
until you have 101 goals. Remember, you're building your better life
here – it's the only life you have.

_____


Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series,
has for more than 25 years, uniquely focused on the vital elements of
human behavior that most affect our personal and professional lives
and has influenced society's top leaders and the general public on a
global scale.