Why do some people seem to succeed in all they do, but others flounder at just the thought of it? The truth is that successful people have set goals and take steps to successfully achieve them. Everyone else hopes, wishes and waits for them. So let's talk about what successful people do to achieve their goals. Here are five strategies they use:

1. Start with a long-term goal, write it down, taking into account when you are going to achieve the goal and why it's important. Try and be as visual as possible, explaining how the achievement of this goal will change your life for the better. Once this long-term goal has been documented, break the goal into tangible steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal. Check out my video on the Harvard Business Study What I learned and how it relates to goal setting.

2. Make certain that you really want the goal. Ask yourself, "Do I really want this goal? Will this goal give me a better life?" Answering these questions will give you more drive to achieve your goal.

3. Speak up. You should not keep your goals to yourself. Sharing your goals can help you get the support you may need from others. Some people are concerned with telling others about their goals because they are worried they will fail. However, telling others means that you are more likely to achieve your goals either with their support or in-spite of them.

4. Write down your goals. This strategy is advisable for those who have a long list of goals. After writing them down, review them regularly. You may also want to keep them handy to keep you motivated.You have to discipline yourself to stick to what you have written. Do not just write them and tuck them away somewhere "safe". Its better to keep them where you will see them, try sticking them to the refrigerator.

5. Stay on track and do not give up. Reviewing your goals will help open your mind to see if you are on the right track. While on track, you may have to face challenges that might change the way you see yourself. Never be discouraged. Encountering obstacles is just a test for how dedicated one is to achieve the goals you've set. It will all boil down to you preparing yourself to face anything and doing everything to get to the goal that you have set for yourself. Only you can make it happen. Nothing can stop you if you have set your mind to it and commit to taking action.