I mentioned my long-term goals on a previous post, but later on I realized that the post containing those goals were on my previous blog.  Last year Serenity 23 mentioned that she was reading Write It Down, Make It Happen and invited others to join her. I had been struggling with some of my goals, so I figured this would be a good kick in the pants. I bought the book while I was in Pittsburgh for a family event, and started reading it and doing some of the exercises. The first step/major exercise is to list your goals. Initially I came up with a list of goals when I first read the chapter, but something didn't feel right. I put them down for a week and marinated on them. I took another look at my goals and realized they were short term goals that were easy to accomplish. I sometimes am afraid to dream big, and it showed in my goals. So I re-read the first chapter and sat down and wrote some goals. Below is an excerpt:

• Visit Angola and Paris - I was in Paris as a child, but I don't remember it
  
• Regain ability to speak French and Lingala - These are the two languages I spoke as a child, and although I can understand them, my ability to speak them is almost non-existent
• Get MBA from top 10 school
• Start a multi-million dollar business
• Sit on a non-profit board
  
• Buy 3,000+ sqft dream home
• Buy rental properties
• Get married
• Complete a triathlon
  
• Model in a professional photo shot - I hate having my picture taken, so this is a far out goal:-)
• Plan the opening event for a national conference
• Pay for my niece to attend a 4 year university
• Go on a national paid speaking tour
• Retire at age 45

I have since recommended this book to two other friends and gave my sister the first copy I bought. My new copy arrived in the mail and I plan to re-read it.  I am sure many who read this will think it's common sense and a lot of it is, BUT we don't always have common sense. After I read it I had to admit that I had a lot of goals, but I wasn't doing much to achieve them. I am all about taking steps in the right direction this year.