Most people walk though life wishing for more, regretting lost time or envious of others. So why is it that some people seem to have the proverbial gold horseshoe, while others have a metal one?

Is it luck? Many think so. Some are fortunate to have been born into well-to-do families, but that does not mean they will be successful in their lives.

So what is the definition of success? It has different meanings to different people. For some it may mean paying off the mortgage, to others getting through the teen years and others being the CEO of a major corporation. It really doesn’t matter, as long as you have passion for what you are doing. So, what is the secret of success? It is really simple. Success can only happen when you have a solid plan. Let me explain.

Let’s compare success to taking a trip. What actions do you take to get to where you are going? Do you just jump into your vehicle and drive to wherever? Do you go to the airport and get on the first plane you see? Of course you wouldn’t (or at least I hope not). First you have to decide where you want to go. Then you decide when you are going. Next you determine how you are going to get there (and book a ticket if you have to). Maybe you also have to save your money. Vacation time must be requested. Child or animal care might have to be arranged. Finally you’ll pack and leave on your trip. Life must be the same. If not, all we will do is go nowhere fast.

Goal setting is what is needed to achieve success.
Many might say, “I don’t know what to do.” If you are in this situation, ask yourself “what do I have passion for?” – then find a job, career or role that supports it. The great business and personal development guru Jim Rohn once said

“We will all be an expert at something in five years. For some it will be sitcoms or the news; the others will have a skill that will support success.”

By taking one hour per day to learn a new skill, reading books on personal development, sales or the stock market – in five years you will be an expert.
The library and internet is full of self-development information and the only cost is your invested time. (if you need some suggestions, let me know.)
So why is it that most do not have goals? For some, they were not taught how to write and work towards goals. For others it is because they have failed in the past.

Failures are inevitable. When used as a learning tool, we grow. Goals support not only success in life (business, career) but in health as well. You will never change your unhealthy habits unless you decide to lose weight or run a marathon. Both, by the way, will not happen without a plan to achieve a the goal. Setting goals are a must for any life success; it is up to you to do it.

Start with a pen and journal. Write out your goal, determine how long it should take to get there, earmark time every day to work on your goal, get up every morning with plan and reevaluate at the end of the day, week, month and year. Finally, make changes when necessary and ask for assistance from family and friends along the way.

No one gets to the top of the mountain without the climb. Those that get to the top faster and easier have trained, planned, ensured they have the correct equipment, fuel and hydration.

We can all become who and what we want. Planning and execution of the plan is the only way. What are you waiting for?