How many times do we, as small business owners, embark on our journey to start and grow our small businesses without ever sitting down to write out our goals?

True entrepreneurs must have a clear vision of where they want to end up if they are to be successful.  My pastor is fond of saying ”he who aims at nothing almost always hits it.”

There are too many small business owners who have missed their goals of financial freedom, spending quality time with their family, and truly being their own boss.   Why?  They didn’t have the formula.

Listen as Zig Ziglar gives us his formula to turn wishes into real goals that can be achieved.

Zig Ziglar: Setting Goals (part 1 of 3)

The Featured Video this week is from one of my favorite motivational speakers – Zig Ziglar.  It is an excerpt from his course on setting goals, and it is the first video in a three part series that I will be posting over the next three weeks.  The video series is a little dated, but don’t let that fool you – the advice Zig provides is timeless.

Selected Highlights from the Video

Listed below are some of the quotes and other information from the video that I found helpful.  I hope you find them helpful too.

Setting Goals is a Choice

“You can choose to set goals and realize your potential, or you can choose not to set them.  Now if you choose not to set them you have to understand that the consequences will not be good down the road.” – Zig Ziglar

6 Steps to Making Your Goal Become a Reality

1. Put it on paper.  You must write down the goal.
2. Put an expected completion date on the goal.
3. Identify the obstacles to completing your goal.
4. List the people, groups, and organizations with whom you need to work to accomplish the goal.
5. Devise a plan of action.  Determine what you need to know.
6. Write down the benefits you’ll receive by accomplishing the goal.

Goals Do Not Care Who Makes Them

“Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I’ll give you a man who will make history.  But give me a man without a goal, and I’ll give you a stock clerk.” – J.C. Penney

The Unlikely Success of Post-War Japan

After World War II, the Japanese economy was in ruins.  Industry and government came together and set goals.

• 1950 Goal: To be the #1 nation in the production of textiles – accomplished 1959
• 1960 Goal: To be the #1 nation in the production of steel (little iron ore/coal)
• 1970 Goal: To be the #1 nation in the production of autos – accomplished 1980
• 1980 Goal: To be the #1 nation in the production of computers/electronics

It’s Not the Goal that is Key, but the Formula

The secret to accomplishing your goals does not lie in the goal themselves, but in having a formula that can achieve those dreams whatever they may be.  Zig’s formula is listed above in six simple steps.

I really like step number six.  All too often we forget to remind ourselves why we set the goal in the first place.  If the goal is not personal to you then it will not spur you to action.

You can watch the next videos in the series at

Zig Ziglar: Setting Goals (2 of 3)

Zig Ziglar: Setting Goals (3 of 3)

Related posts:

1. Zig Ziglar on Setting Goals (2 of 3)
2. Zig Ziglar on Setting Goals (3 of 3)
3. Don’t Quit!