This post was inspired by my awareness of how much I want the instant gratification of getting the results I want without really putting in the work.  I’m impatient and I want what I want and I want it now!

That’s why these 4 little words are so important to me:  Vision. Goals. Focus. Action.   They help keep me on track.  These 4 little words, applied consistently over time, will get you wherever you want to go… unless you’re looking for instant gratification like I was on the golf course over the weekend.

It was my first time out this year and I wanted to go out there and have the best game of my life.

Vision wasn’t enough.  I have a very specific vision of how I want my golf game to look.  It didn’t resemble my vision.

Goals weren’t enough.  I have a very specific goal for my golf score this year.  I didn’t come close.

Focus.  I was concentrating like crazy.  Why wasn’t it working?

Action.  I took action.  A lot of action if you count the number of times I swung my club.

So, what was the problem?  I was looking for instant gratification using principles that are meant for long-term application.  Had I done any prep work?  No.  One visit to the driving range does not do much to improve the game.

Vision. Goals. Focus. Action.  It’s the right formula for anything you’re trying to accomplish in any area of your life.  Business, recreation, health, etc.

So, what am I going to do differently and how can you apply the principles of Vision Goals Focus Action to your life?

First, take the time to figure out what you really want and keep that long-term vision in mind.  Realize that long-term, by definition, takes time.   I suggest a one-year plan.  One year is a good amount of time to make significant progress towards any long-term goal.  This week just pick one area of your life that you want to improve and clearly define what that means to you.  In other words, how will you know if you’ve accomplished it.

Second, set smaller specific goals that will help you reach your bigger goal.  Set 3 small goals this week that will bring you closer to that bigger one year vision.  Be very specific when setting weekly goals and make them achievable while still stretching yourself.  What 3 things can you do this week that will make an impact?

Third, stay focused on what needs to be done.  Self-discipline is the key ingredient here.  It’s too easy to make excuses, to not do the things you need to do to reach your goals.  Don’t get off track by trying to find an easier, softer way.   Take it a week at a time or a day at a time if you need to.  You can do anything for a day can’t you?  Remember why you are doing the thing in the first place.

Fourth, take the right kind of action.  The other three steps won’t matter if you don’t take action.  Contrary to some popular ideas, just thinking about what you want isn’t enough.  I’m all about thinking positive and creating the picture in your mind but you have to contribute to your success by taking action.  How do you get good?  Practice, practice, practice.

Anything worthwhile takes time.  My encouragement for you is that you get started this week.  Figure out what you want, set a few specific goals, stay focused, and do the work.  Do it again next week, and the next, and the next.  That’s how you make progress.  Wishing for instant success will leave you frustrated and hopeless.  Slow and steady with time to review, analyze, tweak and repeat will get you where you want to go.  Remember, you can achieve whatever you believe as long as you are willing to work for it!

Liz Uram specializes in helping business owners reach their goals with planning and action.  Her book ‘How To Organize & Manage Your Time’ is a manual for time management and goal setting and provides the framework for applying the principles of vision, goals, focus, action.