One of my favorite things about December-January is that it’s a time that I take to look back at the prior year and to set myself up for another great year. 

I think there are really three levels of goal setting that go on this time of year.

The first level, the lowest level (other than just not doing anything at all), is set "New Years Resolutions".  There mostly wishes, and usually not backed up with any type of plan for implementation. 

The second level are backed up with more desire, are more specific, and have some type of rough implementation plan.  Their are some issues that get in the way of implementation, and so these goals are mostly not completely realized.  For many years, all to often, I ended up in this camp. 

Perhaps the goals are just not focused enough.  Perhaps the person setting the goal is not 100% committed to that goal.  Whatever the case, there are issues with implementation. 

The third level of goals are focused, specific, and have detailed implementation plans.  Not only that, but there is a plan for follow up.  The goal setter consciously makes a point to go back to the goals he’s set to review them and make adjustments. 

I’ve heard this called putting conditions in place that help get it done.  For example, I meet with a group once each month at a specific time and at a specific location to do planning for the month. 

One tool that can help you to ensure that you are focusing on the most important items are the right questions.  Tony Robbins says that the quality of the questions you ask yourself determine the quality of your life. 

Ben Pargman of the Short Sale Service (www.shortsaleservice.com) sent around a document with some absolutely dynamite questions for this purpose.  You can get that document by clicking here now. 

I highly suggest you go through the questions on this form. 

Whatever you do, focus on that third level of goal setting.  What conditions could you put in place so that you are always coming back to the big picture you have planned for yourself. 

If you don’t, no one else will.  That’s a promise.