If you want to be successful at anything, you will need to set some goals for yourself. These can be short term (immediate) goals or long term (future) goals. I find it easier to start with my long term goals. What is it that I want to have accomplished 2 years from now, 3 years from now? Where do I want to be? What do I want to achieve?

Once you have these answers, it will enable you to see the big picture. Now you need to write down your goals. A goal is just an idea until it is written down. Write your goals down, all of them and place them somewhere where you can see them every day. I have mine next to my computer with another list on the refrigerator. Visuals are also good to have. If it is your goal to move into a bigger house, have a picture of that house near by. This is going to give you the motivation that you need to succeed.

Now that you have the big picture, you need to work backwards and set smaller goals that will lead you to your bigger goal. If not, your big goals might seem so big and overwhelming that you will find it hard to be motivated enough to take the necessary action to reach them. Breaking them down into smaller goals or baby steps, will definitely provide the motivation you need to succeed. For example, if your goal is to lose 100 pounds, you will find it difficult to find the motivation for losing 100 pounds. Thinking of losing 100 pounds will seem impossible. However, if you set a goal of losing 2 pounds a week, that's much more attainable and within reach to give you the motivation you need. You will also find that achieving these smaller goals is a great source of motivation towards achieving your larger goal.

Write a 90 day plan for yourself. Where are you now? Where do you want to be? Try to think of what possible obstacles will stand between you and achieving your goals. How will you deal with them? Every 90 days, re-evaluate where you are and set another 90 day plan. Make adjustments as needed. Stay focused! This will take some discipline on your part. Without focus, there is no motivation. Without motivation, your goals will never be reached.

Success does not happen by accident. It takes hard work and determination and it all starts with an idea.