Buried treasure
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If you knew where an enormous treasure chest full of gold was buried, would you make the effort to dig it up? What if it took you two or three years to get to it? Would you still make the effort?

Chances are, you would keep digging for several years only if you were certain exactly where it was buried, and if you knew how much gold was there. If you weren't quite sure where it was, or what was in it, or whether it even existed, you might dig for a few days or weeks, and then move on to something else.

And therein lies the value of following a well defined plan to achieve clear, specific goals. When you know exactly what you're working toward, and you are confident that your efforts will get you there, then you'll do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to reach the goal. But if you're unsure of exactly what you're trying to accomplish, and you don't even know if you're making progress, it is all too easy to give up.

So be clear about what you want, and be precise in determining how to get it. The confidence you have about reaching your goal will provide the perseverance necessary to do it.

Ralph Marston