If You Could Achieve ONE Big Thing In 24...

horse We always hear:

If you want to be successful, you need to set goals and accomplish them.

Although true, we hear it so much that it’s almost cliché these days. Luckily, one particular day I was open-minded enough to be inspired by a man named Brian Tracy. Brian gave us some homework (that I actually did), and it taught me a method that actually works for achieving goals and truly changed my life.

And now, I am going to share it with you. It’s a little project I like to call, The 24-Hour Scenario.

The 24-Hour Scenario

For this, all you will need is a pen and a piece of paper. It’s a good idea to grab those now and complete the project while you are obviously here, instead of planning to do it later and maybe not at all.

Then, do this:

Step 1

Write down 10 goals you would like to complete within the next year.

Step 2

Read over your list carefully as you ask yourself,

If I could only pick one of these goals to have completed in the next 24 hours, which one would it be?

Step 3

Circle that goal. Given the scenario, it should jump out at you.

Step 4

Turn your paper over. Title your goal.

Step 5

Write down everything that can think of that would bring you one step closer to your goal.

Step 6

Post your action plan in a daily focal point.

Step 7

Complete at least 1 thing off the list every day.

Key Learnings

I think Brian explains it best by saying,

“People become great when they determine their purpose (their number one goal) and work on it every day. It is the secret to becoming a self-made millionaire or any success in life. My promise is that a year from now you will look back and be absolutely staggered at the difference it makes.” ~Brian Tracy

A crucial point is right from the beginning – in the decision making process. In order to succeed, we have to decide we truly want and need this change. If we don’t commit to a goal, we simply just don’t want it bad enough.

Here is a great way to put it:

“The first step to getting somewhere is to decide you are not staying where you are.”

-No idea who said this but it’s pretty awesome.

Make it a New Year: Don’t Commit to Breaking Habits -- Commit to Making Habits

Did you catch the irony in the timing of this lesson? I mean, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. What better time is there to start a 365 day plan to improve your life? Take advantage of the symbolism and turn your goal into one resolution that you actually achieve.

Here are a few tips I have learned to add to Tracy’s method to bring me success:

Commit to the goal for at least 21 days. I know a year seems like a long time, so focus on 21 days. Studies have concluded that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. In this case, it’s a habit we want.