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Having a Top 10 list is always a helpful visual toaiding you in breaking down something so complex into something easy to read andfollow. We have developed a Top 10 list of a true leader to aid you in yourprocess of defining the leader within you.

1. Define Yourself and Assess Your Qualities

Having self-worth and self-definition is primary for setting goals. It aids indetermining your motives, it lets you see if your desires are based on what youwant to achieve, or what others want you to achieve. Make a list of your skillsand talents. In addition, detail some of your most favorable characteristics,i.e., lovable, energetic, committed, organized, etc. Write down your strengthsand weaknesses.

2. Determine Your Purpose & Personal Values

People are molded by their belief system, convictions andprinciples acquired from their life experiences. Yet how many people canarticulate what their purpose or mission in life really is? Once you haveestablished what your purpose in life is, setting goals becomes easy. This couldvery well be a life long process but one that is worth the journey. Goal settingwithout knowing your purpose in life is like shooting at a target in the dark.Knowing your purpose in life gives you direction. You should also determine whatyour values (principles) are. Values speaks to honesty, integrity, sinceritytrustworthiness, fairness and how you measure up to them. Knowing your purposein life and having values, makes life well worth living and goals worthachieving!

3. Develop A Vision

Now that you have a goal in mind, begin to visualize theoutcome of that goal. There is an old saying that says, "a picture is worth athousand words." There are two main items necessary for vision development;imagination and creativity. In vision development you actually step into therealm of possibilities where there are no limitations! Begin to visualize thewhole picture with a job well done, see yourself with your goal alreadyaccomplished. Start visualizing your goal live and in living color!

4. Set Measurable Objectives and Realistic Goals

Your goal should be realistic. It should be a goal that ismeasurable and achievable. It should be challenging but realistic. Dream big,but make sure you take the steps necessary for making your dreams come true!

5. Develop A Personal Strategic Action Plan

You will need a plan of action for achieving your goal.The next step is focusing on the process. How will you achieve your goal? Doinga needs assessment, listing the resources that you will need, i.e., : human,material and financial; skills, and education; establishing a time line, settingup check-points, knowing when to re-group, re-evaluate and restructure are theessential step necessary achieving success. Record the process and progress. Itall becomes easy when you have a plan!

6. Maintain Motivation

You must have a positive attitude, you must have"Audacity." You got to have the "guts" to accomplish what you set out to do!Learn to celebrate your successes. Give yourself healthy praise and rewardyourself.

7. Become Disciplined

Everyone needs to have discipline in their lives. Beingfocus, organized, in control and being able to manage your life aids inobtaining your goals. Develop an effective time-management system that you willadhere to. Having a mentor/coach for positive and constructive feedback is alsovery helpful. It should be someone that can be positive, open and objective.Disciplined people work smart not hard!

8. Be Flexible

There are times when the best of plans will need to bemodified or changed. Do not be afraid to modify your plans if necessary.

9. Make Time For Leisure

We are so serious at times and we forget to add fun and play intoour plans and into our lives. Having family time, doing community activities,taking a vacation or just plain relaxing will do you much justice. Relax! Letgo! Have fun, you deserve it!

10. Take Action

Justdo it! STARTING RIGHT NOW!