The Ultimate Secret to Success
Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, once said, "I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives."
Everyone knows that person with a 5 year plan. And everyone knows that person who is determined to stick to his or her New Year's resolution for the entire year. But who actually follows through on their goals? For most of us, we get distracted and fail to reach our goals.
Being successful in life is one thing virtually everyone has in common. How we do that is unique to each of us, so there's no one right version of success in life. But there is one thing everyone can do that will virtually guarantee success in your personal and your professional life. This one thing - the ultimate secret to success - is something you can do immediately, it won't cost you anything, and it will significantly improve your chances of success.
What is the ultimate secret to success?
Setting specific, measurable goals and writing them down.
There are good scientific studies that prove that people who make specific goals and write them down are more successful than those who don't.
Don't believe me? Let me prove it.
One study looked at Harvard's MBA program and its graduates. We all know Harvard is very competitive - it only admits about 15% of the thousands of applicants to its MBA program each year. Students who get into Harvard's MBA program are standouts academically and professionally.
The study found that the average Harvard MBA graduate made about $135,000.00 in starting salary, but that some of the graduates made much more money than the others in the long run.
In fact, 3% of the graduates made TEN TIMES as much as the other 97% combined. Why?
That 3% had clear, written goals and plans to accomplish them. And, they succeeded in accomplishing their goals.
Take some time to think through your short-term, mid-term, and long-term life goals. What better time is there than now to think about your plan to accomplish them? And what better time is there than now to write them down?
I challenge you to plan your life with more care than you spend planning your vacation.