I ask this as a rhetorical question.
In short, successful people identify their goals or objectives and then single-mindedly pursue them to the exclusion of everything else.
Successful people are very focused on their goals or objectives and effectively have the discipline and concentration to single-mindedly pursue those goals until they are achieved.
I am a great believer in the principles of Project Management.
Project Management principles can be applied to almost anything.
We certainly use Project Management principles in providing legal services to clients but it can also be applied to going on holiday, baking a cake or indeed any series of steps needed to achieve a desired objective.
In the pursuit of your goals, you also need to be organised, systematic and methodical.
The starting point is to identify what your goals are, and in doing so, you need to adopt the mnemonic of S.M.A.R.T.
This means that your goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed.
Insofar as Specific goals are concerned, it is not enough simply to say “I want to make more money !” You need to be specific as to how much money, and before you get carried away with thinking of a number and adding lots of noughts on the end, do remember the third and fourth part of the mnemonic i.e. Achievable and Realistic !
Having carefully identified your goals or objectives, in accordance with Project Management Principles, you then need to identify all of the steps necessary to take you from where you are at present, to achieve your goals.
I have set out below my 8 step guide to success:-
1. Write down your Goals
People become much more focused when they write things down in a list and then as they are achieved, tick them off or cross them off, one by one, until you get to the end, which in theory, should be your goal.
2. Write down the “steps to achieve your Goals”
3. Set Deadlines for achieving your Goals
In line with mnemonic No. 5 (Timed) you need to set a deadline for not only achieving your goals but also to provide timescales and time limits for implementing the steps to achieve your goals. Remember, a deadline is only an estimate. If you do not achieve the goal or the action by the deadline, you can move the deadline.
However, do bear in mind when you do so, this will push back the date for achieving your goals.
However, the most important thing here is to remain focused on achieving your goal by the deadline.
4. If you don’t achieve your Goals by the Deadline, set a new Deadline but be aware that it will take longer to achieve your Goals
5.Create an Action Plan by putting your “steps to achieve Goals” in priority order.
6.Implement your Action Plan. Do something every day to work towards your Goals. The biggest reason for lack of success or failure to achieve Goals or Objectives is “FTI” (Failure to Implement) !!
Force yourself to action something every day from your plan to ensure consistent and methodical progress towards your goal.
7.Review your Action Plan once a week and once a month to ensure you are achieving your Goals.
The weekly review forces you to consider how much progress you are making and encourages more focus to achieving your goals.
You need to set time aside each week to review your goals and the steps necessary to achieve those goals and also assess how much progress you have made towards achieving those goals.
8. If you are not achieving your Goals, change the “steps to achieve your Goals” and/or your Action Plan.
In accordance with all good Project Management plans, from time to time, you may have to revise your plan of the steps necessary to achieve those goals if you don’t appear to be getting closer to them.
A Weekly Review is to remind you of your goals and the steps to achieve your goals in order to remain focused and disciplined on your Goals.
A Monthly Review is to conduct a general overview and to change the steps to achieve your Goals if you do not appear to be achieving them.
SL & CO is now one of the leading and most successful niche commercial law firms in the West Midlands, able to meet the demands and needs of today’s clients.
We work with clients to provide a service of Quality & Excellence to achieve their objectives, maximise profits, minimise losses and provide added value.
If you are looking for a more refreshing and efficient service from lawyers with drive, energy, enthusiasm and passion for what they do, come to SL & CO.
I would very much welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs entirely without obligation.
Telephone me today on 01564 – 777250
Stephen Lockwood
