We are almost through the first quarter the year. How is it going? Do you have business goals and ambitions that you have not yet accomplished? Are you determined to achieve these goals this year?

Whatever it is, achieving a goal isn’t easy. Research shows that a very small percentage of people actually accomplish their goals.

So how can you do it? The answer is not easy, but it is simple. Get mentally focused and stay focused. Focus is a term that describes a frame of mind in which people stop at nothing to achieve their goals. It’s a no excuse, results-driven mindset. People with strong focus skills are more successful than those without them. Luckily, there are ways you can sharpen your focus and make great things happen.

Here are some suggestions to help you achieve success:

1. Adopt a "whatever it takes attitude".

Decide to pay the price to achieve success. Develop inner tenacity like you have never had it before. Before you begin, ask yourself if you’re willing to do anything and everything to accomplish your goals. With this level of commitment, you will be successful.

2. Reality check – it won’t be easy

Many people think accomplishing their goals will be relatively easy. When they run into an obstacle they lose faith in themselves and they lose their forward momentum. They pull back or alter their goals. Realize that some days will be tough. Don’t waffle. Don’t doubt yourself. Just accept that while you can’t change things that go wrong, you can take control of how you handle these situations. Have a plan to push forward when this happens. If you are willing to power yourself through adversity, you will be successful.

3. Get Super Detailed

One of the biggest reasons people don’t stick to their goals is because they aren’t clear about what they want to achieve. You must get crystal clear about what you want to change, define it in detail and put it in writing. You must be totally committed to doing this. Don’t just say something vague like, “I want to make more money this year” or I want more clients this year. Instead, make the goal measureable. “I would like to grow my business by 20%” or I want x more clients. Write down steps that you need to get there and attach a deadline to each of the steps. Keep this in front of you every day and revisited the list every day.

4. Become aware of your negative self talk

Always watch your self talk. Negative self talk will haunt your success in ways that you can’t even imagine. The words you think and say to yourself play a major role in your attitude and what you are capable of accomplishing. Most of our self talk is negative.

The goals you that set for yourself will be challenging and will take time, energy and patience to reach. As you run into challenges and difficulties be hyper aware of the patterns of doubt and negative self talk that we often fall into.

Watch very closely what you say to yourself and others. We often fall into patterns of negative self talk and doubt without even realizing it. Ask yourself if your inner talk is programming you for success or failure.

5. Self - discipline

Self discipline will make you unstoppable. All great performers have tremendous self discipline. This alone can make the difference between having an average year in business and a great year. Self discipline will enable you to make better decisions, take action, and execute your game plan regardless of the obstacles, discomfort, or difficulties, which may come your way. You will accomplish more, and you will be more productive. You are able to maintain a higher tolerance for frustration and negative emotions.

The more disciplined you become, the easier life gets.

This can be your best year ever. Stay focused, live with intent and expect to succeed.

I wish you every success.