Have you ever set a goal and felt that nagging doubt about whether you’ll actually achieve it? You’re not alone. But what if there were a way to practically guarantee your success? Drawing on the work I’ve done in Paper Napkin Wisdom and the readings of Jim Collins, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie and others I’ve crafted a five-step plan to help you de-risk any goal you set.

1. Crystalize Your Vision

“A clear vision sets the direction for success.” — Inspired by Dale Carnegie

The first step is to define your goal with absolute clarity. Ambiguity is the enemy of progress. Make sure your goal is:

• Specific: Know exactly what you want to achieve.

• Measurable: Quantify your goal so you can track progress.

• Achievable: Set a realistic target within your capabilities.

• Relevant: Ensure it aligns with your broader objectives.

• Time-bound: Assign a deadline to create a sense of urgency. But the deadline shouldn’t be the finish line alone … this is where it’s different. Set a schedule of weekly check-ins where you will share your progress with peers. It should be volunteered accountability on your part.

Why this matters: When your goal is clear, you eliminate confusion and create a focused path forward. This clarity serves as your North Star, guiding every decision you make. Plus, you get to share your progress with peers that you are not accountable to for progress. Most importantly, communication should always be as clear as possible and, when important, even clearer — especially with yourself. Most people fail becaues they don’t have a clear vision. Make this a priority.

2. Craft a Dynamic Action Plan

“Plan your work and work your plan.” — Echoing Napoleon Hill

Break down your goal into actionable steps. This involves:

• Setting Milestones: Divide the goal into smaller, manageable tasks.

• Resource Allocation: Identify what you’ll need — time, tools, people.

• Anticipating Challenges: Think ahead about potential obstacles and how to overcome them.

• Scheduling: Assign timelines to keep yourself accountable.

Why this matters: A well-thought-out plan acts as a roadmap. It not only outlines the journey but also prepares you for bumps along the way. Make sure that you spend your first 10–15 minutes a day on your A1, top priority item. Even a few minutes a day will make a huge difference.

3. Build Your Support Network

“Great achievements are rarely the work of one mind.” — Inspired by Jim Collins

Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who can help:

• Seek Mentorship: Learn from those who’ve walked the path before.

• Collaborate: Team up with individuals whose strengths complement yours.

• Invest in Learning: Equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Why this matters: A strong network amplifies your efforts and fills gaps in your own abilities, reducing the risk associated with going it alone. Don’t be afraid to share your desires for your support network. If you follow my blogs I share openly how I’d like to have Naval Ravikant, Arnold Schwarzenegger , Sly Stallone, and others on my podcast. It’ll never happen if I can’t talk about it!

4. Execute with Discipline and Adaptability

“Consistency is key, but flexibility ensures survival.” — A blend of wisdom from various thinkers

Stay committed to your plan but remain adaptable:

• Establish Routines: Daily habits lead to long-term success.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your methods as needed.

• Cultivate Resilience: Develop the mental toughness to push through setbacks.

Why this matters: Discipline keeps you moving forward, while adaptability allows you to navigate unforeseen challenges without losing sight of your goal. Just be consistent, even 10–15 minutes a day (every day) adds up! You’ll be surprised how far you can go if you make that promise to yourself daily.

5. Regularly Review and Adjust

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” — Taking a cue from Ken Blanchard

Create a feedback loop to monitor your progress:

• Track Your Metrics: Keep an eye on your key performance indicators.

• Solicit Feedback: Get input from your network to gain new perspectives.

• Refine Your Approach: Use the insights gained to make necessary adjustments.

Why this matters: Regular evaluation helps you stay on course and make informed decisions, minimizing risks that come from unchecked assumptions. Review your progress, be honest with yourself and make 1% improvements. Small changes can make a big difference in your world. Never stop moving forward.

By following these five steps, you significantly reduce the uncertainties that often derail goals. While absolute guarantees are rare in life, this structured approach puts you in the driver’s seat, controlling as many variables as possible.

Remember, as Napoleon Hill emphasized, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Your commitment to this process is the linchpin of your success. So take that first step today — clarify your goal, and set yourself on the path to guaranteed achievement.