The late 1990’s follow-up study of a group of Harvard students revealed that over a 10-year period the three percent of that group who had written personal goals were ten times more successful than the other ninety-seven per cent who had not.

Whatever your background, education or level of ability, the power of personal goal setting is clear.
With the single skill of focussed thinking based on clear goals, you can outstrip virtually every other person you ever meet. A person with clear written goals, who works on them every day, will run circles around a genius who is unsure and uncertain about what he or she really wants.

A person with goals makes progress irrespective of adversity, like last year’s drought. A person without goals just goes back and forth even though the road is smooth, and the course is clear. Does this sound familiar?

To achieve all that you are capable of achieving, you must develop a clear sense of direction. You must decide exactly what you want in every area of your life. Perhaps the most important question that you will ever ask and answer, one that returns over and over again, is this: ‘What do I really want to do with my life?’ What is it that you really want to do with your life? What is it that you really, really want to do? What is it that you really, really, really want to do? Most people are unclear and confused about the answer to this question, and that’s why most of them accomplish far less than they are truly capable of.

In a discussion group of successful farmers recently this subject was discussed at length for far longer than intended but was as big an issue with these successful people as with other farming businesses which were struggling financially, physically and mentally. It’s never too late to start writing down your goals and dreams and sharing them.

When I meet a new or prospective farming client, one of the first questions asked by me is about their goals and aspirations of all the business partners. This will determine what and why they are trying to achieve longer term and give me an insight into how to tailor my advice to help achieving their goals.

Contact Gerard at gerardfinnan@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office to help you start setting your business and personal goals.