Four steps to hitting your 2012 goals, Part 1

Now we're cooking. He got specific. I then asked him to set dates when he would like to acquire these objectives. When he set dates, the goals became real.

If you haven't set any goals yet for 2012, make sure the objectives you establish are very specific. If you already did your business plan, make sure your goals aren't nebulous. It should be easy to visualize exactly what they are and when you want to achieve them.

2. Create weekly and monthly goals that lead to long-term objectives. Your primary goals should be long-term tangible dreams with a timeframe of one to five years (at least), such as buy a vacation home in Vail, for example, or take a month-long trip around the world, or be able to work only two days a week and do charity work the remainder of the time. Try to focus on the deeper reasons behind your numerical or financial goals, because those reasons will motivate you.

Now, for each primary longer-term goal, work backwards and set a medium-term goal that can be achieved in one month to one year—for example, gaining 15 clients from a new marketing program with a strategic partner. This mid-term goal objective should be a stepping stone to hitting the long-term dream.

Finally, set short-term objectives that you want to accomplish today or this week. For example, you may want to ask three clients for introductions before you go to lunch today, or complete the mailing for the marketing program by the end of this week.

Next month, I'll detail two more ways to achieve your 2012 goals.

For goals to be achieved, they must be specific.