2013 is fast approaching. Here's why you should set your goals as early as now....

•  The influence of written goals:  Research shows that writing down your goals and plans and sharing them with someone increases the probability of success
•  Lay down your income and closed transaction objectives: Think you have closed 20 transactions this year? Aim to close 40 transactions next year. Once you put a double effort into your most profitable real estate activities, most agents easily boost their closed transactions by 50-100 percent.
•  Lead generation is the key:  The rule is 1 out of 3 solid leads end up closing a transaction. The goal is four transactions per month, which should start with 12 well-qualified leads a month. You must produce 1,200 website visitors to create 12 solid leads and four closed transactions.
•  Request for probability referrals:  Nowadays, in this market, solid referrals are harder to obtain. Aim your prospecting to groups with the highest odds of making a closed transaction. For first-time buyers, you can create a script to look for first time buyers such as "Do you know anyone who is currently renting who may be interested in lowering their monthly payments?"
•  Weekly progress monitoring: Evaluate if you meet your lead generation goals per week. If not, set your schedule and continue to hope until you achieve your target. Much better to prioritize your lead generation as the top priority activity first thing in the morning.
•  Use the 3-2-1 approach daily: After making the business plan, ask yourself of following questions every day: What are three activities I must complete today? Accomplish these three before doing anything else. What two self-care activities will I pick up to keep me balanced holistically? What one activity I can finish today that may assist me the rest of the day?
•  Utilize 4-3-2-1 approach monthly: Schedule about four days off each month. Create at least three nights each week to have dinner with your loved ones. Two days per month where you can spend time the whole day with friends/ family. One day to unwind and relax by playing golf, massage and anything to rejuvenate yourself.
•  Keep on track on market conditions: Market states are constantly changing. The rule is to effectively adapt to market conditions and make the most of the probability you will generate leads.
•  Results tracing: Study this approach for a month and then try to evaluate the development. If the sales are getting higher, stay with the course. However, if the sales are decreasing, alter some steps in the course to develop sales.

The real secret of success: Review your business plans at least twice a day. Keeping your goals in front is the secret to achieve them.  Imagine yourself fulfilling these goals and have your best year in 2013.