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There’s an old adage that goes, “Most people don’t plan to fail, but they do fail to plan.” Because this thought is timeless and accurate, it’s never too early to think about your future. You’ll be spending the rest of your life there!

So to help you plan and prosper this week’s column is “short” in length, but incredibly “long” in its power and potential. That’s up to you though.

Here’s a success worksheet. While it may require minimal adaptation to your type of business, product or service, it’ll have immediate application.

Think about your replies. Consider the possibilities. Take the time to approach this assignment with focus and candor.

Your answers can pave the way for incredible new levels of achievement.

Success worksheet

– My income goal over (fill in defined time frame) is: $ .

– To meet and exceed this, I will have to do, create, make happen the following:

– My average sale (number of sales projected per i.e., quarter, month, week, day) is:

– Proposals or solid possibilities in my pipeline, over (defined time frame) are:

– Hot prospects (identify your top ten) are:

– Strategies to contact them: (identify “how” and “by when”) are:

– Number of prospects I need to see (quarter, month, week, day) is:

– Number of appointments I need over (defined time frame) is:

– Number of referrals requested over (defined time frame) is:

– Number of referrals received over (defined time frame) is:

– Number of referrals contacted over (defined time frame) is:

– Number of follow-up calls to make over (defined time frame) is:

– Number of gratitude or networking meals / events over (defined time frame) is:

– Strategies to create visibility with decision-influencers and decision-makers are:

– Number of “thank you” / “thinking of you” notes to send over (defined time frame) is:

– Educational goals / skill building (will read, listen to, watch) are:

– To track my success, over (defined time frame), I will:

– Others that will help keep me accountable include:

– To increase my income goal by ( ) percent, I need to:

– Other ideas / strategies / beliefs that will help me meet / exceed my goals are:

Remember, success and goal setting are simply the progressive movement toward, and eventual realization of, a worthwhile idea. May you turn your ideas into implementation!

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Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.