Humans seem to be naturally goal oriented. We look to the future as the place where we can have more of what we want in our business and our lives. Goals are what help us bring the future into focus. By knowing where were going, it makes decisions a lot easier and will produce better results.

In addition to determining where we are now versus where we want to be at some specified time in the future, I find its helpful to understand the goal achievement process in terms of sequential conceptual stages. This offers another way to look at what might otherwise seem straightforward and colorless. The key to understanding these stages is to realize its all about who you are and how you feel about yourself.

I refer to the seven sequential stages of goal achievement as Courage, Clarity, Communication, Consistency, Confidence, Credibility and Completion.

When you first consider the goals you want to work toward, you may not have confidence in your ability to reach them. So how can you reach that state of confidence? I find the best point of departure is to establish a level of courage.

Acting from a feeling of courage is the foundation upon which confidence is built. Confidence begets confidence. Credibility is confidence returned. It comes when others believe in you and your message. Completion finishes the process and sets the stage for gathering courage for your next goal.

COURAGE

--- Aware of who you are and what you offer.

Courage comes from knowing yourself, your assets and limitations, and what you can and want to do that others will value. Courage provides a feeling of strength. Aligning all your assets makes you feel strong and courageous. Supporting your limitations adds more strength. Feeling courageous prepares you to take action.

CLARITY

--- Key words and phrases prepare you to communicate.

Select words that clearly convey your Goals. You must be clear before youll be able to communicate clearly with others. Use words that support and strengthen your value to potential buyers and alliances. Find a reason why others will want to help you achieve your Goals. How will this help them?

COMMUNICATION

--- Prepared to communicate your message consistently.

Since you probably wont be able to achieve your goals alone youll want to elicit the help of others. Communication, in all forms, is how you share your message with your universe. Once youre ready to take action, communication is the next step in the process.

In business, the strong leader communicates goals to everyone in his working network. Asking for input from your team in developing goals is always a good first step. Communication is best when it goes both ways.

CONSISTENCY

--- Consistency begets confidence.

This means youve considered and aligned all the ways you communicate. Having your verbal, written and visual communication conveying your key message creates a powerful force toward your goal. Putting it out into your universe clearly and consistently is the action that produces the result.

CONFIDENCE

--- Experience

The first step in gaining confidence is to experience something that provides a successful outcome. Taking the risk to try something new is scary. We feel uncomfortable and unsure about our actions until we try and succeed. Its that experience, however, that allows us to break through to confidence. Consistent communication attracts those who relate to your message.

--- Practice

Courage gets you ready; confidence puts you into action. By choosing to practice and repeat the experience of feeling confident, your confidence will gain strength. Thats when your message becomes second nature and your confidence level continues to improve.

CREDIBILITY

--- Others have confidence in you

When your confidence is strong you encourage others to have confidence in you. As others perceive your integrity, they will come to trust in you and believe you can and will meet expectations. Thats when you gain credibility. People will want to do business with you. Youll also be able to engage others to help you reach your goal.

COMPLETION

--- Reaching goals.

This is what its all about. Whether youre selling and providing products, services or both, youve got goals. Looking at goal achievement from the perspective of the 7 Cs you can see how it is a cycle that builds on itself over time. The more goals you achieve, the easier it will become.

Using these steps is particularly helpful for business development goals. Your reputation, your brand image and your goal outcomes will benefit from applying this concept.

In which of the 7 C stages are your goal achievement efforts? Whats the next step and how are you planning for it?