It is just assumed that setting goals will somehow motivate breakthrough achievement. Have you noticed that just stating a goal works about as well as New Year's Resolutions? For some people, goals can be counter-productive, triggering an anti-goal reaction.

The Anti-goal Reaction
Gene, owner of a financial services company, likes the goal setting model. He says "If we hadn't set goals, we wouldn't have achieved even 50% of what we set out to accomplish." But he wonders, "Why didn't we do better?" Adrian, another business owner, views goals differently. "I achieved 80% of my goals last year. I'm sure I would have accomplished even more if I had just set the goal higher." Bob is defeated by his 40% rate of achievement, concerned about setting more goals because 40% is never acceptable. Be honest: haven't you had some version of this type of negative self-talk at one time or another?

Winning with Goals - the Power of Intention
The magical missing piece is the power of intention. Having your intention clear is the key to achieving the success you really want. Your intention is the goal of the goal or core benefits received from accomplishing the goal. When your intention is clearly defined, achieving your goals is much more fun and the journey definitely more satisfying. Your intentions guide you as to what action to take and when with more ease and grace.

Engaging the Power of Intention
Pick one money goal you've set for this year. Imagine you already achieved that goal? It can be something you have no idea of "how to" accomplish right now. What would you do with the money? What richly deserved core value or need would you be fulfilling by having the thing described above? Examples: security, safety, acceptance, comfort, stability, love, belonging, etc.

Here's how one person clarified their intention
Susan said, "When I achieve my $350,000 income goal, I am buying my dream house. Having my dream home means I will be safe, secure and comfortable, at peace within myself, finally settled into my place." For Susan owning a home represents her core value of safety, security, peace and comfort. The intention is;
"Be safe, secure and comfortable!"

Author's Bio: 

Marilyn August has been dubbed “Magic Marilyn” by her clients. She is an author and business development expert on the subject of attracting high-paying clients and growing your business revenues with integrity. Along with her book —Wealthy U- Seven Sacred Wealth & Wisdom Lessons— her sales and marketing tools have been used for 20 years to dramatically increase her client’s revenues. Unlike other coaches and business development advisors, Marilyn provides a holistic plan to grow your business revenues. Her motto: “You can't grow your business without growing yourself.” She helps service business owners translate their technical expertise into sustainable growth revenues by attracting clients like an electromagnet. She is the founder of Wealth & Wisdom Seminars www.wealthyu.com and her goal is to transform how service professionals in America think about money, one mind at a time.