Over the years I have learned that if I want to increase the chances of achieving my goals, I must make sure they are:

1. 1. In writing - The process of writing down a goal will help "embed" it in your thinking which will result in actions which will move you toward your goal. I have many years of experience with this as I am sure many of you do. I have compared my annual goals to my yearly accomplishments on many occasions and the results are amazing...what I say (and write) that I will do, I usually do. If you are committed to your goals, write them down and give copies of them to those who are close to you. One of the reasons New Years Resolutions are not successful is that since we are usually not committed to them. We don't usually tell anyone what our resolutions are because then there would be an expectation that we accomplish them. I will finish this piece with a quote on commitment.
   
2. Measurable - If a goal is not measurable, it will probably not be achieved. I want to make $100,000 this year is much more powerful than I want to make a lot of money this year.
   
3. Valued - Valuing a goal will help you prioritize. If a goal is important to your overall health, happiness, and well being (or that of your loved ones), you will give that foal a high priority.
   
4. Prioritized - We all have more to do than we have time to do so having goals prioritized will help us accomplish those things which are most important to us.

Achieving goals is much easier when you are committed to the goals. Have you ever noticed that when you are really committed to something, things work to help you. We used to say that to achieve your goals, you must be WILLING to do what it takes. You may not actually have to do what it takes (sometimes things just happen in your favor) but you must be WILLING to do what it takes. That intense willingness is commitment.

The following is the best quote I have ever come across on the subject of commitment.

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Until one is committed

There is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, Always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative and creation There is one elementary truth, The ignorance of which kills countless ideas And splendid plans:

That the moment one commits oneself,

Then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one

That would otherwise never have occurred.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision,

Raising in one's favor all manner

Of unforeseen incidents and meetings

And material assistance

Which no man could have dreamt

Would have come his way.

I have learned a deep respect

For one of Goethe's couplets:

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can - begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

W.N. Murray

The Scottish Himalayan Expedition, 1951

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