---

The fast, easy and fun
way to your goals

If you're like most people, you know you need to have written goals to reach your potential. But if so many people know this, why is it that so few people have clearly defined, written goals?

It all starts with the right mindset -- especially for small-business owners. Before you ever put pen to paper writing out your goals, you must components of what I call the "Business Owners Mindset."

There are five fundamental components of the Business Owners Mindset when it comes to successful goals achievement. Let's take a look at those right now. (You can access the unabridged version of this article at www.BusinessOwnersJournal.com/mindset)

No. 1: Accept change as inevitable. The silent killer of your goals and dreams is the wrong attitude toward change. Many people get tricked into thinking, "Why plan? After all, something always happens that changes my plans anyway!" This improper mindset does more to rob people of their destiny than any other.

No. 2: Maintain a positive attitude toward change, and make it your ally. Change cannot be controlled. The only thing you can control is how you respond to change. The other day I smiled when I read a bumper sticker that read: "Change happens. Whining optional."

How you respond to the rapid changes in the 21st century marketplace will determine how successful you will become. Your response to change will determine how wealthy, satisfied and balanced you are. And how you respond to change is rooted in your goals and planning.

No. 3: Become a treasure hunter. Treasure hunters know they are not going to find gold and diamonds just lying on top of the ground, so they survey, scour and dig to uncover hidden jewels. It's the same thing for you and the "natural resources" you need to reach your goals. You must become a treasure hunter to uncover the natural talents, skills and resources that you already have.

No. 4: Understand your behavioral strengths. The next step is to understand your behavioral strengths. What I mean by this is fully understanding the way you communicate, what motivates you and knowing the values/attitudes that are most important to you. If you take the time to identify and understand your behavioral strengths, you'll know where to focus your energy.

No. 5: Define your passion and your niche. Just as no one person can be great at all things, there is no one way to motivate all people to achieve their goals. Once you determine your natural skills and behavioral strengths, the next step is to match them with your passion and a niche where you fulfill an unmet need in the marketplace.

---