Do you wish you had more money, wish to win the lottery, wish for business success, wish for ... insert dream here.

If you spend all your time wishing, you won't realize the results you are seeking. To get success or to achieve the things you are looking for, you need to dig deeper.

In Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill says: "Wishing will not bring riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes an obsession, then planning definite ways and means to acquire riches, and backing those plans with persistence which does not recognize failure, will bring riches."

This is a powerful statement. Read it again and think about what he is saying. How many people do we know wish for riches and success but do nothing to achieve it. That statement synthesizes all the elements you need to gain the riches you desire. Not only does it cover the desire (why), but putting the steps in place to get where you are heading.

It's hard to get anywhere without a plan, and a plan is what will keep you moving toward that goal much more rapidly than some abstract wish.

I think this is the greatest and overlooked element of a home business ... planning. So many people start out in business with a vague goal (which you can translated into a wish). This new business will get them to that goal ... ie staying home with the kids or quitting a job. They have a vague idea of what they want but no plan to handle obstacles ... and certainly not a plan that does not "recognize failure."

What do I mean by that. Many people start in business assuming that if they do one thing, the money will start rolling in. And, unless it is some get rich quick scheme, it won't work. At the first sign of disappointment or failure, they give up and their dreams gather dust on the shelf.

By building a plan that acknowledges there will be tough times and more importantly, has a plan to address it, has a greater chance of success. You need to address contingencies ... how you will overcome challenges, and I would argue it includes a list of coaches and mentors you can call for help and support.

While we are all independent business people, we are not in business alone. Robert Kiyosaki says investing is a team sport. He's right. You need a strong team around you to be able to succeed. You team should be made up of professionals but also mentors and coaches who can provide you with guidance and support as you grow ... both personally and in business.

So, if you're now ready, start writing. Put a plan on paper that outlines how you are going to build your business and what you are going to do and invest each and every day to get there. Write it down and refer back to it regularly to readjust or change elements in the plan to reflect current situation.

With this plan, success is not a wish, it can be a reality.

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Jennifer Lavoie is a home-based business coach and published author. Using Robert Kiyosaki's teaching, she helping others to build passive income businesses and retire early and free. http://www.retirefree.ws