One of my readers wrote asking for some encouragement to help them move toward their goal. "Could you spur me on?" Maybe this will help.

1. The Goal: Set the goal, but keep this in mind: People set goals and then burn themselves out trying to reach the goal believing that activity and movement are the same as getting to the goal. Not every action, not every decision will lead you to your goal. Learn to weigh, differentiate, and choose wisely.

Know when to say no. Not everything you do will move you toward your goal. Learn to make assessments and get rid of anything that impedes your course. When a runner runs, he gets rid of the weights, anything that holds him back from reaching his goal. And in his preparation for the race, he knows when and where to call the limits. He doesn't overwork. He paces himself knowing that pacing is more important than running fast.

Know that as you truly begin to move ahead toward your goal, there will be some who will try to restrict your moves, not because they don't want you to move ahead, although there will be some of those people, but because they feel left behind, jealous, or simply cannot see you as anything than what you are now. Build a good support team. Surround yourself with people who are just as committed to your cause as you are, and draw strength from them.

2. Blueprints: Build a plan. Systemize the steps. Know where you are going, set the goal, and design the stage to get There. Plan to win. Decide to run hard. Determine not to give up. Be willing to make adjustments where necessary. Remember that having done all, to stand. Be firm in your resolution to win. Have faith that what you believe will come about. God honors faith. He is impressed by its exercise and show. One fellow I met said, every successful person he knows got There with the elements of faith. Seek counsel where you know you need counsel. Be willing to take a risk and leave your comfort zone. Learn to fly like an Eagle. The Eagle cannot control the wind but when it comes and he knows it will move him toward his destination, he risks the opportunity, sets out his wings and soars.

Learn to recognize the opportunities when they come and make the most of them. Build your contacts. Respond to connections. Be a good conduit for controlled power exacting an outcome of good.

3. Resources: When we think of resources our mind often turns to the external physical aspects that contribute to our life's benefit. We have friends, a house, home, car, and material items to help us along our way. But there is one resource you can harvest and make the most of, your inner self.

You can be your best motivator and encourager along the route toward your goal. I believe most of our strength begins with genetics. A small percentage impacts our circumstances and offers outside intervention. Learn to harness your inner power, the genetic component. Before your life began, a million sperm set out on a race for one prize, one goal, to reach the egg. Of all the million in the race only one met the mark, the strongest and fastest of them all. The strength, goal, direction, and determination of that one sperm reside in you. Harness that power and go for it.