You started the year off with a burst of energy determined to achieve important business goals. But what usually happens after the first few weeks or months? You start to lose interest, you find it's harder to stay motivated then you thought, and you slip back into old habits. Why do you drop your good intentions? The answer is simple - lack of a strong compelling vision fueled by a burning desire.

So why is this important and how do you get it? Having a burning desire to achieve a compelling vision is important because reaching big goals requires a change in behavior. To change behavior for the long-term you need some reward or benefit so irresistible it feels as though a magnet is pulling you forward.

Think about some goal you have set for this year. You might be thinking about devoting more time to your business, moving up in leadership, organizing your home office, or consistently earning a certain amount each month. There's no emotion attached to this type of "doing”. When you review the business goals you've set what feelings come up? Are you really inspired or are you void of feeling?

To create a compelling vision think about the feeling you are trying to achieve first. Here's an example: Let's say your goal is "to personally recruit 5 new consultants each month”. Does this inspire you? Probably not. Where's the emotion? Let's try again;this time you say: "I want to have fun and enjoy recruiting at least 5 new consultants each month”. There is some emotion in this statement but you can do even better. Ask yourself" "What's the benefit of recruiting 5 new consultants each month?; What is the feeling I am after and what do I want to have as a result of being a consistent recruiter?" Is it recognition, community,helping others, a sense of accomplishment, increased earnings, moving up in leadership, setting a example or all of the above? Keeping these things in mind, give it another try in the present tense: "I am refreshed and inspired each week with renewed energy from introducing my business to others. As a result, I easily recruit at least 5 new consultants each month. I love to help them grow and be successful! I feel a tremendous sense of personal accomplishment!”

Can you see the difference? Close your eyes and imagine yourself having fun sharing success with new friends. What does it feel like to be such an inspiring leader? See yourself feeling infused with such energy that others want what you have. Experience the feelings of your success. Picture your personal and professional life dramatically improved from this change in your behavior. For maximum results, spend a few minutes each day "seeing and feeling your vision" in action.

What's the compelling vision you want to create now? Focus on the feelings you want to experience as a result. Write down these feelings along with your vision. Then make a list of at least 10 to 15 benefits you will have as a result of achieving this vision. The more benefits you list, the more excitement you will generate and the greater your desire will be. Share these steps with your team or downline and help them be successful too. Begin now with these foundational steps for goal achievement and start "living your vision”!

Copyright January 2006; Vicki Miller CUCG, PCC