When we were in school, it was easier because the path was created for us. We followed the curriculum and graduation requirements year after year. Now, we get to determine what success is to us as well as what path to take to get there. That’s the way it should be – it’s the only way we’ll be happy – but it’s a path full of hurdles.

As a Success Principles Trainer certified by Jack Canfield, I use success principles as a foundation when I conduct trainings, create courses, or mentor one-on-one with attorneys like you. One of those success principles is unleashing the power of goal setting.

A reason our dreams don’t become reality is that they are not specific enough. We must set specific and measurable goals and objectives. They must be written down. We must define success by documenting how much by when.

Below, there’s space for you to do just that.

Observe what comes up for you when you’re transforming your dreams into specific goals and objectives. What feelings emerge? Jot down your considerations, fears, and roadblocks.

Are you feeling your goals should be smaller? Or, are you afraid it will take too long to get there?

Jot down your observations here so they don’t continue to take up noggin space and you can deal with them:

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NOTE: Dreams vs. Goals/Objectives

Good Dream versus Specific Objective – Observe what it takes to transform an amorphous dream into an objective you can make real.

1.”I would like to own a nice house” versus “I will own a 4,000 square foot Craftsman-style house in Fox Chapel by November 1, 2020 at 12pm ET.”

2. “I need to lose weight” versus “I will weigh 135 pounds by January 1, 2021.”

3. “We need to reduce staff turnover” versus “We will have staff retention of 95% or more in 2020.”

4. “I need to treat my employees better versus “I will acknowledge a minimum of 2 employees for their contribution to the firm by this Friday at 5pm ET.”

My Breakthrough Goal

Your breakthrough goal is the goal that when achieved will have the greatest impact on your life.

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal? Close your eyes and see it.)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Financial Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Business, Professional, Career Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Relationships Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Health and Fitness Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Fun Time and Recreation Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Personal Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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My Contribution and Legacy Goal

My Vision (How would your life change as a result of accomplishing this goal? Be crystal clear using all your senses. How will your life look and feel when you’ve achieved your break through goal?)

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My Goals and Objectives (How much…by when. Details! Refer back to the above examples.)

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My Affirmations (I’m so happy and grateful that now…. Be sure to state in the present. This is what you want to be thinking and saying to yourself when you’re thinking about your goal.)

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My Next Steps (List your baby steps showing what you’ll do next. You don’t have to know all of the steps. Just list out as far as you can. Calendar out when you’ll do what.)

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All opinions, advice, and experiences of guest bloggers/columnists are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, practices or experiences of Solo Practice University®.