By Dana Phillips.

You might also call this article “How I Learned to Set Goals and Achieve Them.”

I was never a significant goal-setter growing up. In general, I knew what I wanted my life to be. I wanted to grow up, go to college, get married, have kids, and just let everything else take care of itself.

I didn’t focus on anything specific. There were no action steps or target dates. It was just life happening, and I was along for the ride.

I learned about the excitement of goal setting when I started my direct selling business. I set my first goal to become a leader and achieved it! I was excited! I had accomplished my first real goal! Then, watching the recognition ceremony at my first regional conference, I realized I wanted to be recognized on stage. So, I set a goal to be on stage next time. I made my goal, and my confidence was soaring! Yes, this goal-setting was working for me!

Next, I set my sights on our national conference to qualify for one of the top prizes…, and I missed it! That was when I learned the importance of determination and never giving up. (I had missed the goal by $500!) No matter what, I wasn’t going to miss it again! And I didn’t!

Then came an incentive trip to Hawaii. My husband and I had never had a honeymoon, so this trip was a dream for us. The reason “why” I wanted to earn it overcame the fear of “can I do this?” Knowing that we could have a honeymoon became my motivation. Earning the trip to Hawaii was the turning point in my career. I’ll never forget how I felt after achieving it. My dream had come true!

I found my strong desire to want to move up and be successful. Learning how to set and achieve goals gave me confidence, excitement, and the drive to learn the skills needed to move up. By doing it for myself, I could lead by example, see potential in others and encourage them to do the same if they.

Along the way, I grew into leadership, making my dreams come true and changing the lives of many others. I’m so thankful for the opportunity that has allowed me to do these things and become the person I am today!

What’s Your Success Factor?

I loved recognition and the rewards that came with it. My drivers led me to set goals, develop plans, and work with a mentor. How are you doing with your success factor?

What are you teaching your team about goal setting?

Being a leader is more than managing sales and recruiting. Being a leader tests your self-concept and relationship skills. The Direct Selling Leaders Network is the Facebook group known as a safe place to share questions and answers about growing your business. Leaders are curious. This is a great group to find out some answers.

The Direct Selling Leaders’ Network is the Facebook group for leaders like you. This social learning community is the premier online community for direct selling leaders, future leaders, and those who want to create their future. Leadership is a way of life, not just a position. Join us as we add new FREE content every week! Recruiting, Getting Your Team to Work, and Tips on Working Smarter, Not Harder. NOT A MEMBER? Please join some of the best leaders in direct sales.