One of the things most critical to home business success is defining one's goals. We are continually reminded to write them on paper, giving ourselves a deadline to meet them, so that we can remain focused on our ultimate dreams.

We need to keep them in front of us at all times in order to maintain the motivation often needed to get us over the rough spots in our businesses.

Wallace Wattles, in his 1910 classic, "The Science of Getting Rich," states:

"You must form a clear and definite mental picture of what you want. You cannot transmit an idea unless you have it yourself....That clear mental picture you must have continually in mind....The more clear and definite you make your picture then, and the more you dwell upon it, bringing out all its delightful details, the stronger your desire will be."

Does this mean that you must spend hours contemplating your ultimate goal? Of course not. It simply means that you need to know just exactly what it is that you want and want it so badly that it will stay in your thoughts.

I've personally taken this advice very much to heart. Regardless of what your goals are, it's possible for you to use this same method to maintain your own focus.

Let me explain.

My ultimate goal is for my husband and I to be able to retire to the area in which I grew up, the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I have a very definite image of what life will be like for us there, and each day I set aside a few minutes to simply close my eyes and dwell on the mental picture of some of the things we'll be able to enjoy -

• walking along the beach at sunset, feeling the warmth of the sand on my bare feet (I can practically smell the salt air when I do this)

• shopping in an unhurried atmosphere in the quaint downtown section of Ocean Springs, Mississippi - only a few minutes' drive from the exciting casino action of the neighboring town of Biloxi

• reconnecting with friends and family and being able to enjoy reunions that I often missed due to living a long distance away

• dining at local restaurants that serve the delicious seafood the area is famous for

I could go on and on, but you get the (mental) picture!

Carrying this one step further, I've gathered together some pictures, postcards, and other memorabilia that reflect the overall atmosphere of the area. These items hang on my wall in my office, right in front of me, so that I can have a constant reminder of exactly what it is that I am working toward.

I'm amazed at the effectiveness of these simple techniques!

You can apply these same methods regardless of what your goals are. Even if what you're working for can't be quite so clearly defined in words and pictures, you can still benefit from these exercises.

During those few minutes each day that you set aside to form your mental "picture," imagine the feelings that you will have when you have reached your own personal goals. Create an affirmation statement, using your computer and some attractive stationery to print it out. Frame this and place it in your own personal work area so that you will have a constant reminder of what exactly it is that you want to accomplish.

Focus, focus, focus....and your dreams WILL come true!