The majority of the requests we receive for our goal-setting program, “On Your Mark, Get Set, Goal!“ seems to come to us from high school and/or college audiences. Personally, I think that’s terrific because this is a critical subject area for young people who have their entire careers ahead of them. Goal setting abilities are crucial at this point and studies have shown that they certainly pay off in a very big way.

What amazes me is the fact that so many adults in today’s workplace have not been exposed to the goal setting process and therefore are not benefiting from this practice. Oh, we talk mission, vision, goals, targets, etc., but it seems to stop at talking. If more adults were familiar with a goal-setting strategy and actually practicing this powerful procedure, it’s somewhat certain that we wouldn’t see as many organizations falling short of their short- and long-range aspirations.

Some people today actually doubt the power of goal setting. Read today’s generational gem and see what you think.

The Catalina Island is 21 miles away from the coast of California, and many people have taken the challenge to swim across it. On July 4, 1952, Florence Chadwick stepped into the water off Catalina Island to swim across to the California coast. She started well and on course, but later fatigue set in, and the weather became cold. She persisted, but fifteen hours later, numb and cold, she asked to be taken out of the water.

After she recovered, she was told that she had been pulled out only half a mile away from the coast. She commented that she could have made it, if the fog had not affected her vision and she would have just seen the land. She promised that this would be the only time that she would ever quit.

She went back to her rigorous training. And two months later she swam that same channel. The same thing happened. The fatigue set in, and the fog obscured her view, but this time she swam with faith and vision of the land in her mind. She knew that somewhere behind the fog was land. She succeeded and became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. She even broke the men’s record by two hours. When you set your goal, keep pressing on even when you are tired, physically and mentally, and even though there are many challenges ahead. Keep the vision of your goal crystal clear before you and never, never, never give up!

See the vision, commit to it, and you will surely see your goal realized!

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.