You hear the same story from every one of them, all different success stories but all somehow the same. It's like they all went to the same school or grew up in the same family or the same city or town. Every man woman and child when asked, they all say the very same thing. Whether in their head or on paper, they had a goal - and a plan to reach that goal. Regardless of how simplistic it sounds, it just may be worth paying attention to, especially since they have succeeded and perhaps many of us honestly have not thus far.

Let's take a kid who falls in love with the idea of being a fireman at an early age. There was a moment in his young life where that big red Fire Engine caught his eye and held him transfixed. Or maybe it was the fireman himself fully clad in his uniform that grabbed him and held his attention. Perhaps he lived in a town where he got to see the Fire Engine up close a few times. Maybe he even got a tour of the fire station courtesy of his dad or a close friend. However all the influential events unfolded in his life, for this kid the memory stuck quickly in his young mind.

As this young man grows up the thought of one day being a fireman is almost a daily reoccurring thought for him. He plays it over and over in his mind as he goes about his daily routine, as he goes down to breakfast in the mornings, perhaps walking to the school bus stop or daydreaming during a quiet time in class. The thought of being a fireman is a dominant thought that runs through his mind. As he grows older, gradually other thoughts and elements are added that enhance this dream of his. He may add a dog that will be his alone, a companion and one like he saw on the Fire Truck when he was younger.

He's now in High School and his dream of being a fireman is still strong. That dominant daily thought is still with him. But now he's looking around and paying attention to the various activities that will bring him close to his dream and make it a reality. It's almost an unconscious process now, this surveying for anything that will get him closer to his goal, although he's not in the least aware of it or the process in which he's involved.

The grown up young man is now in college taking all the basic required courses. He goes through it all methodically making sure he doesn't miss anything; even going as far as taking courses that would bore most people. He still has that one dominant thought and goal in front of him. He gets top grades and has earned them. He graduates at the top of his class. You see he has a goal.

Not long after graduation the man runs into an old friend from his childhood. By chance his friend makes mention of a training program for fire fighters that is about to begin within days. Lucky break you say? Not here. This man made his own breaks. He started paving his own way back in his childhood with his thoughts.

This seemingly simple process though taken for granted by many, has made all the difference between realizing a dream and just floundering for those who finally found their success or reached their goal.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Goal Setting

Firefighter George & Fire Engines Volume 2

Godinger Fire Truck Bar Set $50.00 Extinguish your thirst with this innovative fire engine bar tool set. With this stainless steel ten piece set you have all the gear you need to be the ideal bartender. This set includes: 1 cocktail shaker (500 ml ? 16.5 oz) 1 jigger - 1 oz capacity 1 corkscrew 1 bottle opener 4 stirrers 1 ice tong 1 fire engine holder. Check out our other ?hot? bar accessories. Truck - 12 inches l....

Fire Truck Lunch Plates 8ct $3.19 Each package includes 8 paper Firefighter lunch plates measuring 9" in diameter. Plates are in the shape of a fire truck....

Fire Rescue Pals Fire Truck Candles 4pk Fire truck Candles are shaped like fire trucks measuring about 1 3/4" long x 3/4" wide and come in packages of 4....

Tonka Mighty Fire Truck $31.75 As every firefighter knows, you need a reliable vehicle to successfully battle imaginary blazes. This authentically styled truck fits the bill nicely and comes with two removable ladders that slide into slots on either side of the truck, as well as an extendable, swiveling ladder with a pivoting bucket--ideal for positioning action figures or imaginary firefighters where the action is. Measuring a...

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