Goal setting should not only be associated with New Year’s Resolutions but with your overall life desires for 2012 and beyond.

Goal setting is the foundation to self motivation and is applicable at all times.

Consequently, our awareness of today’s economy gives us a new perspective on goal setting.

Sales people must have a far more realistic approach and be steadfast in their determination and discipline.

Primarily, you need to identify the desires and dreams you want to become a reality in 2012 and beyond. Begin by taking some time to write or draw them out as clearly as possible. This is the first, and most important step of goal setting to fulfill those desires and dreams.

Did you know that only about 3% – 5% of the population write down or create pictures of their goals???

About 35% – 37% will say things like: I don’t know how; I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want but it’s just in my head; My work goals are set by the boss. Not sure what I want in my personal life; I might fail to reach it; What if I succeed? Can I cope with the changes that will bring?

More than 60% will say: ‘I don’t really have the time”. They’ve been too busy with the outside world, to give any thought to the inside world – where success, motivation and the heart of the most important person in the world resides.

The same applies to New Year resolutions—over 60%—will not see their resolutions through to reality, giving up within the first 14 to 21 days.

Will you be one of those statistics or do you seriously want to make your dream a reality?

Without exception, the tiny minority of people who do regularly write down their goals agree that the power in the goal-setting process is getting those bright ideas out of their heads – in writing out the words or creating the pictures.

Every time we read a story about a sports star or a top achiever in any field, they talk about their clear, well-thought-out and specific goals. Can you think of any exceptions??

Once your top priority desires and dreams have been identified, you must determine if you are willing to pay the price to make one, two or all of them a reality.

It is not about money when you choose to pay the price to make a dream a reality. It’s about being realistic. Your willingness to pay the price with hard work and determination must be identified as you set goals.

The price you have to pay may come in many forms. Your commitment may be in the form of money; change in habits; extra demand on your time and efforts; or additional education. Your goal may affect your family and other relationship(s). It may even impinge on your hobbies, sports or other activities. Are you willing to pay that price?

These are the demands you must identify with goal setting because if you are not willing to pay the price, you will not realize any of your desires or dreams. If you are not ready, it is best you avoid any goal setting and forego that New Year’s resolution.

It is imperative to be truly honest with yourself and understand the consequences associated with making your dreams a reality. Proceed only when you are willing to pay the price and ultimately, achieve your goals.

Finally, take action. Support your action with a very strong dose of “Discipline to do what you said you would do even when you do not want to do it.”

The Goal Log, the Goal Chart and the Monthly Monitor Chart, along with many other tools for Goal Setting is available in my book “Disciplined for Life, You Are the Author of Your Future”, and available at www.disciplinedforlife.com