Simple, Obvious Plan for Success

I know you have only read the title, but before you lose focus, follow these steps:

1) Get a pen and paper and write down five goals. Any 5 will do for now. Be Aggressive.
            Ex/Travel to Chile, Run a Marathon, etc.
2) Take these longer term goals, and turn them into shorter term goals.
            Ex/Buy Plane Ticket to Chile, Run a Half Marathon, etc.
3) Cut these down even further, to active steps you can take TODAY.
            Ex/Research Trip Cost and Set Savings Plan, Buy Running Shoes, etc.

The key here is to actively progress at least one aspect every day. It could be something as simple as sending an email out to someone or making a phone call even.

Keep it all on one sheet of paper. Take one minute to review the list every morning to stay focused; do not lose track of what is important to you. Step outside of your comfort zone, but avoid doing things that will make you miserable. Is this something I really want and am willing to put in a little effort for each day? If not, replace the goal.

As you dive into one area you thought was interesting, you might discover a new passion for something else. Or if your goals remain the same, you will at least be one step closer to reaching them every day. And if you do not have an interest in improving yourself, you would not be reading a Toastmasters blog.

Joining Toastmasters was actually the beginning of an ultimate goal of mine of using public speaking as an effective tool for communication rather than as a tool that effectively makes me look like a moron. I am admittedly very far from where I want to be in this regard. However, with a plan to address this issue, I have complete confidence in myself.

Seriously, if you have not started jotting down some goals, do it. The hardest part is putting the pen to the paper. Once you have something to work with, you can go from there. Life is short – take control today.

Thomas Kelliher

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