I recently conducted a workshop in which I challenged business owners to set an impossible 90 day goal.  Today is day 90 of my quest to achieve an impossible goal in 90 days.  I am eating humble pie for breakfast because I have not achieved my goal—but, the day isn’t over (did I mention I am an optimist!)  On March 8, 2010, I set an impossible goal in 90 days to create a monthly revenue stream more than 10 times what I currently had under contract.   

I made significant progress towards this goal in the past 90 days.  In fact, I had nearly five times my starting revenue with potential sales in the pipeline that would take me within reach of my goal.  Last week I experienced a significant set back.  A client who represented my largest engagement informed me they would need to prematurely end a year long agreement.  I understood the business reasons for their decision but, it didn’t softened the blow to my bottom line or my ego.  

I took the news hard for the first day.  I reminded myself that “Every failure brings with it the seed of equivalent success”.  The client’s decision to end the project was outside of my control.  What is in my control is to build relationships and sell my services.  I got back on the horse with renewed determination and closed a sale within three days. 

Was my impossible goal ultimately impossible to achieve?  I don’t believe so.  I know I can achieve it; it just didn’t happen in 90 days.  The time pressure did force me to think of out of the box and created a sense of urgency which propelled me into action. 

What could I have done better?  I would have started with a more definite action plan for how I would achieve my goal.  I took positive action but, I struggled to stay focused on my goal.  I let daily demands set my priorities instead of focusing on activities that would move me closer to my goal.

In the next 90 days, I will commit 100% to achieving my goal.  This will require a mindset in which I own the value I can bring to prospective clients.  I will remember there are no mistakes only choices; I will test new strategies for creating the results I want. 

What is the status of your impossible goal?  I have talked with one workshop participant who is moving quickly to achieve her goal.  She completed and sent me a 90 day action plan for her goal.  She is committed and in action.  She is running into obstacles but, is finding ways to move through them.  I have no doubt she will be significantly closer to her impossible goal on August 7, 2010 because of her commitment, focus and plan of action.

Remember These Tips for Achieving Your Goals:

• Success comes from within- you have the power to create what you want in life and business
• What we tell ourselves is extremely powerful
• Let go of all the rules
• Focus and positive action leads to results
• 99% is a bitch, 100% is easy
• There are no mistakes only choices

Participants of the workshop still have 60 days to move their impossible goal forward.  I hope sharing my experience will inspire them and you to be persistent and strive for what you ultimately want in your business.