The Secret of Success In A Simple Four Step Process

Some high-achievers find it natural to set goals. They know what they want and can work towards it without any conscious planning - they just get on with things. But most of us mere mortals have to take a little time to work out what we want to do during our lifetime. Then we need a little more time to decide which milestone we need to reach next, and how we're going to manage that.
If you're not one of life's natural goal-setters and you're looking for the secret of success - I'd encourage you to take just a few minutes to consider the following success-oriented four step process:

1. Find yourself a quiet place where you can relax, knowing you won’t be interrupted for at least ten minutes. You’re going to let your mind wander, just briefly. Simply daydream about your hopes and desires for the future. Try to visualize as clearly as possible a particular possession or achievement you want. Define as precisely as you can, your "success article". It might be a specific amount of money saved, a particular thing that you want to own, your ideal bodyweight, a work accolade or a feat of physical endurance - whatever it is, you have to picture it in detail. Write down a clear definition of the number one thing you most desire to have, be or do.

2. Write down, in outline, a plan of action which will achieve this goal. Include all the major intermediate steps along the way. At this point you will begin to get a feel for what achieving this goal will cost you. This is the time to work out how much effort, time, money or other resources you are prepared to devote to your success in this project. You will see how pursuing this goal needs to fit in with everything else that's going on in your life - something might have to give!

3. Set a deadline. Not just for the accomplishment of the final goal, but for each of the principal intermediate steps outlined in your plan of action. And once the deadlines are set - make sure you keep to them. Missing one deadline makes it too easy to let the next deadline slip - or it might even lead to giving up altogether. So don't set deadlines you know are impossible. Push yourself, certainly - but make sure there is a little slack in the system for the odd hiccup.

4. This part might seem unnecessary - but don't skip it! It’s the single most important process in any goal attainment system. Memorize your goal, with its outline plan and deadline. Every morning, as soon as you wake up, repeat the goal, the upcoming milestone and its deadline. If at all possible, say your goal out loud. Recite your goal at least once during the day and then again just before you fall asleep.

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If you want to know more about Orison Swett Marden and how his works inspired Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, Norman Vincent Peale, Anthony Robbins, and many others then visit http://www.MardensKeysToSuccess.com where you can also gain FREE access to Brendan McKeogh's mini-course on Marden plus a FREE copy of the first chapter of "Marden's Keys To Success."
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