Be Forward Thinking as a Youth

effective leader. I will do that by describing to you some of the qualities, attributes, and behaviors of the most effective leaders in our society so that you can emulate those qualities and make them your reality.

BE FORWARD THINKING AS A YOUTH

Leaders are forward-thinking. Most leaders live in the future. They are continuously focusing their thoughts on the future – what will be and how to create it. Most nonleaders focus on the present and the past. To be forwardthinking means establishing a set of goals and focusing every day on moving toward those goals.

Leaders follow these seven steps in achieving their goals: 1. IDENTIFY YOUR MAJOR GOALS: Decide exactly what you want to achieve, whether it is for your business or your life. Clarity is essential.

2. WRITE IT DOWN: Be specific and detailed. Make it measurable. As an example, your goal might be to double your sale in the next three years. So, write it down. If your goal is not in writing, it is nothing more than a vague fantasy.

3. SET A DEADLINE FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF

THE GOAL: If it is a big goal, then break it down into pieces and set deadlines for each of those pieces. We are energized by time-specific goals. Give yourself deadlines.

4. MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE

TO DO TO ACHIEVE EACH MAJOR GOAL: Be comprehensive. As you think of more things, add them to the list until it is complete.

5. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN: This is where you take the list and turn it into specific steps. There are two things to think about: priority and sequence. What items or things to think are important? What must be done first? When setting priorities, remember the 70/30 rule: 30 percent of the things you do will account for 70 percent of your results. You do not want to spend your time on unimportant things. You do not want your people spending time on unimportant things. Identify what is going to help you and your organization to achieve your goals. As for sequence, you have to identify exactly what needs to be done before something else can be done. Any plane is going to have activities that are dependent on certain other activities being done. Also, identify the limitations, constraints, or obstacles that stand in your way. Priority is again important. What are the most important obstacles? What are the things you will need to overcome before you can achieve your goals?

6. TAKE ACTION: Now that you have a plan, and you know the hurdles on the path before you, you must act immediately. There can be no more delays. Many people fail because they do not take action on their goals and plans. Good leaders do not make that mistake.