Goals are “what” we want to accomplish and plans are the “how” we will do it Goals are destinations and plans are a map of how to get there To be motivating, both goals and plans need to be:

Sensory specific: You want to see, hear, taste, touch, smell and move both your goals and your plans. The clearer you imagine an outcome or an action, the more your brain will marshal the focus and your body will access the energy to concentrate fully on successful action.

Measurable, always attach numbers to your goals and plans. How many dollars, units? How much? How long? Exactly what percentage improvement? Precisely how much less waste? When you specifically measure a goal you can specifically outline the milestones to be achieved along the path. You would never watch a sports event without keeping score. Make your measurement inspire your most prideful pursuits.

Affective: make sure your goals and plans have some emotional backing. For many of us what is lacking in our goals and plans is truly caring about them. Mold your motivation by thinking of all the terrible feelings you’ll have if you don’t do what you want to do and by thinking of all the wonderful feelings you’ll have and accolades you’ll receive as you pursue and attain your goals.

Realistic Goals and plans will exceed your grasp but never your reach. Many people demotivate themselves by creating goals or plans which they simply are unable to fulfill. Often the element of time is unrealistic. So too can be expectations of other people, equipment, the weather, traffic or energy. Live in possibility and probability.

Timed Goals and plans exist in time. When are you going to accomplish what result? Don’t “work on something for while”, achieve a particular result in a specified amount of time. You’ll stay in control and success will be constant.