Practical Foresight

Foresight is a skill that can be learned like any other skill. The more you practice it, the better you get at it. Successful people often rely on foresight to move themselves forward. They set goals and make monthly and yearly plans, sometimes even five- and 10-year plans. They also know they have to keep reevaluating their plans to make sure they are practical in a real-life scenario.

Here are some questions you can ask to help make sure your plans are within the realm of possibility:

• Will I be able to accomplish this within the time frame I have set up? Don't give yourself six months to accomplish something that takes two years to accomplish. You will only set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Keep in mind that some of your plans include other people, and you can't always control their time lines. Give yourself limits, but keep them flexible. Don't forget, the tree that bends with the wind does not break.

• Will I be able to create synergy with other things that are going on in my life? If your plans include something that is far afield from all the other things that are going on in your life, be sure you have a strong reason or passion to pursue it. If you do, then go after it. If not, it will probably take more effort than you'll be willing to devote to it.

• What will I gain by pursuing this course? What are the rewards—money, status, accomplishment, emotional satisfaction? You are the only one who can measure those rewards and decide if they are worth the required effort.

• What will I lose by not pursuing this course? How damaging will it be to your self-esteem to give up on this particular dream?

• Realistically, does it make sense? Does it add value to my life and to those around me? Will it take too much away from current projects?

  I think there is something more important than believing: Action! The world is full of dreamers, there aren't enough who will move ahead and begin to take concrete steps to actualize their vision.

  —W. Clement Stone,
  businessman

When you are focused in one area like a laser beam, you create a depth of vision that is omnipotent. That's what gives it strength.