The link to success is goal setting. In a Harvard study some twenty years ago, a professor interviewed nearly 100 people. In his study he asked how many people set goals. Out of the 100 people only 2% of the people actually set goals and stuck to them. Some 20 years later he interviewed the entire group and found that the 2% of the people that set goals had accomplished more and had a net worth that was 10 times higher than the entire rest of the group, quite a powerful testimonial for goal setting.

Usually the first of the year is a time when people set goals and plans for the upcoming year. Many people have high expectations of what they want to accomplish. Some may want to lose weight, get out of debt, become a better person, quit smoking or other bad habits, so they set their goals and go on a quest for self-perfection. The only problem is they are unarmed in the battle of goal setting. There are some basic principals that a person needs in order to realize the benefits of success and goals setting.

MAP- the massive action plan. This is the plan that takes you from start to finish. A person who falls short of accomplishing goals may not have a clear plan of how they are going to get to the end result of the plan. For instance we need to make a goal, have a plan, take consistent action, and have a success coach, review your progress and renew your goals. This is a student creed in the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers Martial arts schools of L.I., N.Y. I teach my students that goal setting is imperative to success in all that you do. Whether it be achieving your Black Belt or having the best marriage possible.

Consider this- Knowing what you want, for instance you want to lose weight. That is an admirable goal. So how do you do it? You must get on a diet and an exercise plan. You must have a plan - this plan is to set out a daily routine of what you want to do to get to that goal. Possibly going to aerobic classes, martial arts or even walking in the neighborhood. A success coach - this is very important. You need someone that can keep you on track, when you want to fall off, someone who will push you a bit. Take consistent action- this is going out everyday and working toward your goal. It takes 21 days to develop a good habit. So be consistent. Review your progress- take the time to see the steps you are taking and recognize them. See the strides and accomplishments. If you have none then reassess your plan. Renew your goals- this step is important because it helps you achieve the goal by realizing why and how come you set it in the first place.

Goal setting is a science. So set the goals and move forward. It is easier than 1,2,3.

Allie Alberigo is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo/Ninjutsu and Jujutsu and has been training in the martial arts for over 39 years, as well as being a martial arts school owner, self-defense expert, public speaker and business owner. Allie is the owner of the L.I. Ninjutsu Centers, which has locations in East Islip, West Islip, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, and Bermuda. In 2000 Allie his first book “The Beginners Guide to Ninpo” and has also released his first video “The Warrior Spirit” (39 minutes). If you have any questions do not hesitate to call 631-321-5432, email him at renshilininja@aol.com, or check them out online at Lininja.com. He loves to hear from you.