Do you have clearly defined written goals? Or are they just in 
your head? People who actually sit down and write out their 
goals not only end up achieving them, but have higher incomes 
and ratings for overall success and life satisfaction.

Mark McCormack, in his book What They Don't Teach You at Harvard 
Business School, tells of a Harvard study conducted between 1979 
and 1989. In 1979, the graduates of the MBA program were asked, 
"Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made 
plans to accomplish them?" Only 3 percent of the graduates had 
written goals and plans. Thirteen percent had goals, but not 
in writing. And 84 percent had no specific goals at all.

Ten years later, in 1989, the researchers found that the 13 
percent who had goals that were not in writing were earning 
twice as much as the 84 percent of students who had no goals 
at all. And most surprisingly, they found that the 3 percent of 
graduates who had clear, written goals when they left Harvard 
were earning, on average, 10 times as much as the other 97 
percent of graduates all together! The only difference between 
the groups was the clarity of the goals they had for themselves 
when they graduated.

Yes, you read that correctly. The 3 percent who had clear, 
written goals earned ten times as much as the 97 percent who 
didn't have clear, written goals. Almost all successful people 
have goals, and outstanding high achievers have clearly defined 
written goals. That said, how come so few people write out their 
goals?


Why Not Set Goals?

There are four main reasons people don't set clear goals and 
write them out. Many people say they can't be bothered to take 
the time to sit and write them out, preferring to keep them in 
their heads. But no one is really that busy, as it only takes a 
few minutes. The real reasons are probably deeper, involving the 
fact that if they are kept in "the head," it is easy to change, 
revise and ignore them. This avoids accountability issues and 
facing failure. Looking further into the psychological reasons, 
we find the following four factors:

1. First, most people don't realize the importance of goals.
2. They don't know how to set goals.
3. They have a fear of failure.
4. They have a fear of rejection.


There are three main reasons why your goals may fail to inspire 
and motivate change. 

1. The goal isn't valued enough.
2. Your goal isn't specific.
3. Your goal isn't supported.


Each of these elements must be carefully considered in creating 
goals that you can achieve. Once you have aligned your goals 
with your true identity, values and life purpose, you will find 
them easier to accomplish. The energy will flow, because the 
goals are an expression of your true self. Then, when you have 
written down your goals in a specific, clear, measurable way 
that is time-framed, the small steps along the way will become 
evident. This also keeps the energy flowing, and helps you to 
remain focused on the goal. 

The best way to get support for your goals is from a coach. 
Friends and family members may be helpful-or not. A 
professionally trained coach is an expert at helping you to 
achieve what you want. He or she can also help you with the 
goal setting process to ensure that your goals are aligned 
with your values.