Well, if you don't know what your goals are and the steps you must take to achieve them, how can those goals come true? Have you heard the story of the two football teams that walked out onto the field only to find that the goal posts were removed? One player says to another, 'How can we play the game without any goals?'

That's the way life is. You need goals to help you achieve success in the gym, at home, on the job or anywhere else. A very small percentage of people actually put down their goals in writing. Far too many have excuses like: 'I don't know how. If I don't succeed, I'll be too embarrassed, I really don't deserve success.'

Or you may have a different problem. Maybe you're overdoing it. Sometimes the biggest stumbling block to success is too many goals. Many people want so many things that they don't take the time and effort to decide on the one goal they really want so that they can make a concentrated, determined effort to achieve it. People without goals are like a powerless ship without a rudder, aimlessly floating in the ocean buffeted by the winds and waves.

Clearly established goals can help you focus your energy and effort on whatever specific thing you want in life. I used that focus and power to help me succeed in bodybuilding. It can work for you too. Let's look at two prime examples of men who were able to accomplish great things after setting their goals.

Ben Weider has always believed that bodybuilding should be enjoyed, not only in America, But in foreign countries as well. The result of his goals and efforts has been the acceptance, recognition and enjoyment of bodybuilding in more countries than ever before, through the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding), the most recognized and respected bodybuilding organization in the world. Ben's ultimate goal is to realize his dream of making bodybuilding a part of the Olympics. This aspiration may be achieved as the International Olympic Committee moves closer to a final approval.

Then there's Joe Weider. Some cynics think that Joe's success came about by being in the right place at the right time. Hardly. Joe is where he is today because of his talents and abilities and his never ending commitment to his goals. Joe's love for fitness and bodybuilding says a lot about what it means to be dedicated to something you pour your heart and soul into.

What about you? Are you as committed to your goals as the Weider's are to theirs? - committed enough to formulate a plan and stick with it? Let me put it to you this way. At your present pace, will you be able to accomplish the goals that will fulfill your dreams? Here's a few suggestions that will help you reach your goals.

Set your goals and make them big. A big goal creates excitement and that excitement will help you perform your best.

Set short term goals to help you reach your long term goals. For example, your long term goal may be to bench 400 pounds, but you are presently capable of benching only 250 pounds. Make your short term goal 300 pounds. Every time you reach a short term goal, you are one step closer to your ultimate desire.

1. Write your goals on paper and list them in order of importance.

2. List the obstacles that stand between you and achieving your goal. Formulate a plan to overcome these obstacles.

3. Set a specific time schedule to work on realizing your goals. You've got to do more than just saying that someday you will make it. You must establish a specific time schedule.

4. Work toward your goals every day and mark your progress. An excellent example is the simple act of going to the gym, since you are experiencing success toward your fitness goals each time you show up to train.

5. Reward yourself. If you look and feel great because you accomplished your goal of losing or gaining those 10 pounds, get yourself some new clothes.

Building the kind of body you desire takes a solid plan. Nothing happens without action. Writing your goals on paper creates a blueprint for success. Constantly study your blueprint and make whatever adjustments are necessary until your goals are achieved.

You wouldn't build a house without first calculating the cost, would you? Building the kind of body you desire is no different. It takes a solid plan. Remember, nothing happens without action. It will not do you one bit of good to define your goal, write it down and devise your blueprint without putting it into action. You've got to make it work.

So how about it? Are you dedicated and committed enough to your goals to make them reality?