2011 looks to be a year of challenges and opportunities and as I work out my goals for the upcoming 12 months, I begin to think about how to establish and achieve goals.

One thought that intrigued me was that achieving greater things actually requires us to narrow our focus on a specific item. Many people I see as mentors, such as Zig Ziglar, Seth Godin, Chris Brogan and others have made this point in one way or another.

An example that is near and dear to me is weight and health.  As I start this year, I have a goal (not a resolution) of becoming healthier by dropping 100 pounds over the next twelve months to experience life in a fuller fashion.  To do this, I must have a specific (narrow) goal (100 pounds).  Then I must own the reason why (fuller life) and start to put a plan together to achieve the goal (written plan). Then I begin to get even more specific in how to do this and put smaller, more specific goals that point to the overall of goal.  As progress is made, I begin to see the possibilities as I become healthier. When I reach the goal, the 100 pounds will be gone (reducing) and the possibilities in life for me will become greater (expansion).

It may not be the best example for you and I may not have made it clear but I hope you get the point:

If you focus on your goals, your possibilities will open up for you!