Planning Is the First Step to Success

How dramatically we can change our results is largely a function of imagination. In 1960, it was a technological impossibility for man to travel into outer space. Within 10 years, however, the first man stepped out onto the surface of the moon. The miraculous process of converting that dream into reality began when one voice challenged the scientific community to do whatever was necessary to see to it that America “places a man on the moon by the end of this decade.” That challenge awakened the spirit of a nation by planting the seed of possible future achievement into the fertile soil of imagination—with that one bold challenge, the impossible became a reality. The same principles apply to every area of our life. Can a poor person become wealthy? Of course! The unique combination of desire, planning, effort and perseverance will always work its magic. The question is not whether the formula for success will work but rather whether the person will work the formula. That is the unknown variable. That is the challenge that confronts us all. We can all go from wherever we are to wherever we want to be. No dream is impossible provided we first have the courage to believe in it.

No matter how busy you are, try to find some time over the next two weeks to reflect, think, give and plan.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the ideal time for this. Try to slow things down. Spend time with the ones you love and care about. Take some time to talk with your spouse and kids about goals and dreams for the year 2015. Use this as a time to recharge your batteries—not just by watching TV the entire time—but to seriously, and with excitement, think about a handful of changes or additions you want for your life in the new year.

I believe you will find the act of reflecting, thinking, dreaming and planning to be one of the most important exercises you can do that will positively impact the next 12 months.

And remember, do not neglect to commit to set this time aside, or you will find that the business of life can and will get in the way.

So let’s all take a moment to gather up the past year of victories and defeats, times of growth as well as times of stagnation, and use it to wipe a clean slate and thoughtfully design the next year the way we truly desire it to be.

Jim Rohn www.jimrohn.com

“You have to risk going too far to discover just how far you can really go.” — Jim Rohn