Four Keys in Preparing to Move Forward

“I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.  I determined never to stop until I have come to the end and achieved my purpose.”

– David Livingstone

(1813-1873) Missionary Doctor

You were born with a purpose.  That purpose is yours and yours alone.  You were created to do something special, to be something special.  Success-minded people come to understand this reality.  This is not an ego thing or meaning you are better than the rest of the human race.  In fact, to understand your divine appointment on this planet is to understand that every other person has their own destiny to fulfill and they too are special.  Makes me think of the words of anthropologist, Margaret Mead, who said, "You are unique and special, just like everyone else."

                Knowing that you have a purpose is only part of your journey to achievement.  You have to get there too.  It is up to you to move forward and to achieve your purpose.  It will not happen on its own.  Here are four important keys that you must use to move forward in your journey.

1)  Know where you are going

                The great baseball star, Yogi Berra use to say, "If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?"  Your purpose is not some hidden secret that you are never to discover.  It is there with you all the time.  You were born with this purpose inside you.  We call it, our dream.  What is it that you have always wanted to do?  When you have time to sit and think or day dream, what do you keep thinking about?  That is your dream.  Know what you wish to achieve in life.  You do not have to know all the details right now, just the goal.  Write it down and start moving towards it.

2)  Know why you want it

                Just as you can know where you wish to go, you can know why you have been called to go there.  Is it to make the lives of others better?  Is it to start a business that will create a product that can transform the lives of others?  This can take some time to work on I know.  It is not because you don't know why, it will be that it can be hard to put into words.  This however is a very important step because once you know the why, the how will be easy.

3)  Know how you will get there

                This is the plan.  Every goal has to come with an action plan.  The action plan is made up of the steps you will need to take in order to achieve the goal.  Do you need more education?  Do you need to improve on a skill or talent you have?  What is the first step you must take?  Sit down and write this all out and then start to follow the plan.  The key is to take action.  Remember, nothing happens without action.

4)  Know when you will do this

                There are two key elements to your timeline.  First is when do you start?  Here is a principle that is key to your success: Take some kind of action within 24 hours of setting the goal.  No matter how big or small, do something within 24 hours.  Second is to understand that a goal without a deadline is nothing but a wish.  Be reasonable and work it out, but set a deadline for yourself.  Will it take a year, a month, five years?  Whatever the time frame, set a dead line and start moving forward.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey