Schedule Your Success

Your goals are only as good as the specific objectives you establish to reach those broader goals. Those objectives are only as effective as the tasks you establish to accomplish them. And those tasks will not get done if you do not schedule your time to do them.

If you want to reach the success you are planning, you must establish a strict, reasonable, written schedule.

Start by looking at all the demands on your time. Some - like school - give you no choice as to when you can do them. Block out those times.

Next, look at the hours that are left. Block out at least one of those open hours, five days a week, as "success time." This is time you're going to use to improve yourself. During this time read books, read articles and listen to tapes that will help you grow.

Then, fill in all the other things that you have to - and want to - do. like church and recreation activities.

Make sure the "have to" tasks are things that you really have to do. If there's something that you simply feel obligated to do ... stop doing it. (And it won't be easy.)

Your biggest enemy in establishing and following a schedule will be you. You have to make a commitment to stick with it. Tell family and friends that the time you've scheduled for success is a must. Tell yourself as well. No phone calls, no Internet, no interruptions not directly related to helping you achieve your goals.

Be honest with yourself. Do you really want success? If you do, you will establish a strict, but reasonable, schedule - in writing. And you'll do it today.