The Seven Step Formula for Goal Setting

by Brian Tracy
There are many formulas and recipes for goal setting. As a rule, “Any plan is better
than no plan at all.” Here is one of the best and most effective goal setting plans or formulas you will ever learn:



Step One:

Decide exactly what you want in a specific area and write it down
clearly, in detail. Make it measurable and specific.

Step Two:

Set a deadline for the achievement of the goal. If it is a large goal, break
it down into smaller parts and set sub-deadlines.

Step Three:

Make a list of everything that you will have to do to achieve this goal.
As you think of new items, add them to your list until it is complete.

Step Four:

Organize your list of action steps into a plan. A plan is organized on
the basis of two elements, priority and sequence.
In organizing by priorities, you determine the most important things that you can
possibly do on your list to achieve your goal. The 80/20 Rule applies. 20% of the
things that you do will account for 80% of your results. If you do not set clear
priorities, you will “major in minors” and spend much of your time doing small
and irrelevant tasks that do not help you to achieve the goal.
In organizing by sequence, you determine what has to be done before something
else can be done. There are always activities that are dependent upon other
activities being completed in advance. What are they, and what is the logical order
or sequence?

Step Five:

Identify the obstacles or limitations that might hold you back from
achieving your goal, both in the situation and within yourself. Ask yourself, “Why
have I not achieved this goal already?”

Identify the most important constraint or limitation that is holding you back and
then focus on removing that obstacle. It could be a certain amount of money, or a
key resource. It could be an additional skill or habit that you need. It could be
additional information you require. It could be the help or assistance of one or
more people. Whatever it is, identify it clearly and go to work to eliminate

Step Six:

Once you have determined your goal, developed your plan, and
identified your major obstacle, immediately take action of some kind toward the
achievement of your goal. Step out in faith. Do the first thing that comes to mind.
But do something immediately to start the process of goal attainment moving
forward.

Step Seven:

Do something every day that moves you to toward your most
important goal. Make a habit of getting up each morning, planning your day and
then doing something, anything, that moves you at least one step closer to what is
most important to you.