We all remember the old adage “If you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it”.  There are numerous studies out that confirm those who have written goals will more likely achieve them.  Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, did a study on goal-setting with 267 participants. She found that you are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down.  The obvious alternative to not putting them in writing is drifting through life aimlessly reacting to events and circumstances, allowing them to dictate our purpose and accomplishments.

Once you have them written, what is it that will provide the other 58% needed to accomplish them?  Too many people are perfectionists according to Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach for entrepreneurs. We need to find a way of “channeling and focusing your emotions and our ambitions so that we can dramatically eliminate and bypass perfectionism and procrastination in all areas of our personal and work life.”  His 4 C’s formula can help.  The first step is Commitment, because once you’ve  decided to strive for a goal, written it down and if shared with others, Lord forbid, they might check up on your progress. After making a commitment to a goal, this provides the motivation resulting in Courage to take the necessary steps to make them happen.  Next, you derive Capability through innovation that you didn’t know you could develop finally leading to Confidence resulting in higher and bigger opportunities to which you can commit to starting the cycle again with more commitment, courage etc. 
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Nevertheless, when it comes to financial goals and just getting one’s financial affairs organized and focused, many people often need an accountability partner.  Yes, believe it or not, from my experience, even the most financially successful folks need a preverbal kick in the pants to get their act together and someone to hold their feet to the fire to keep them on track.  Once we help create a detailed action plan, there’s still a lot of following up on details, coordinating with all the professionals on the team, etc. which many successful people just don’t have the extra time, energy or bandwidth to expend.  Thus, having a “friendly nagger” in your life has its merits to meaningful goal achievement. 

This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed are those of Thomas Fleishel and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.   .  Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse author Dan Sullivan or the book 4 C’s Formula.