Begin with the end in mind for better clarity in obtaining your goals. This is an exercise that will force you to focus on exactly what you must do to obtain what you want.

For sale agents this might be listing first your highest goal, i.e. "closing a deal " and then do what is necessary in the process of a successful closing. i.e. "9. Close the deal ", "8. Get the documents signed" etc. The last item in your list (the first thing you would actually do) would be something like "1. find ways to get prospects". As you struggle to build your list in reverse order, don't get frustrated or think that it has to be perfect or have every little detail, this is only the first half of the exercise. Going in reverse order (beginning with the end in mind) is the key to the exercise and will unlock your creative ability and allow you to stay focused on each step. When you get your list completed, now rewrite the list in forward order. i.e."1. Find ways to get prospects" "2. Make list of past clients" "3. Develop letter to ask for referrals" etc. Now as you write your list in forward order you can tweak, add or delete items that need editing. When finished, you will have a focused road map to achieving your goals. After you are done, you will want to do the same for other ways to find prospects and other goals you have.

This article is sponsored by Qed Media Group Interactive.