Now that you know where you are going and how to get there, you must deliberately determine when you will get there. ‘When’ refers to a timeframe or deadline. Someone once said that a goal or dream without a deadline is mere wishful thinking. Note that there are three possible outcomes when you have a deadline: One, you can achieve it before the deadline. Two, you can achieve it on time. And three, you can achieve it after the deadline has passed.
In December 2014, all members of my church were encouraged by our General Overseer, Pastor Mensa Otabil, to develop a 20-year plan for ourselves. For this discussion, I want to emphasise the importance of the 20-year timeframe. It makes you conscious that all your big plans must have an expiry date. It helps you work with clarity and certainty. It disciplines your efforts and focuses your results.
So, when would you like to reach your dream destination? Is it in 10 or 20 years? Then ask these sub-questions: Is the timeframe realistic and achievable? Remember that your primary goal must be to set a deadline. An unrealistic deadline is better than no deadline at all. How do you practically do this? List all the detailed activities you must undertake to achieve your dream, determine their individual timeframes, and add them up. Set that deadline!
Inspiring Net 