There’s an old saying attributed to baseball legend Yogi Berra: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
That quote captures one of the biggest truths about success: it doesn’t happen by accident. Whether your goals are personal or professional, you must know exactly where you’re headed and what daily behaviors will take you there. Otherwise, you risk spending your energy supporting someone else’s plan instead of your own.
At Sandler, we teach that success is built on consistent behaviors aligned with your goals. Here are five behaviors that help you stay on track and achieve meaningful results.
Behavior #1: Take Stock of Where You Are and Where You Want to Go
You can’t reach a destination without first knowing your starting point. Think of this as creating your personal GPS for success.
Evaluate your current reality in key areas of your life—such as health, finances, relationships, and career. Where do you stand today, and where do you want to be?
Ask yourself:
What’s holding me back?
What am I afraid to confront?
What dreams do I want to turn into reality?
Awareness is the first step toward transformation.
Behavior #2: Define and Visualize Your Dreams and Mission
Start by dreaming big. Look ten years into the future and imagine what success looks like for you. Then, work backward to set milestones along the way.
Write a personal mission statement that answers why you want to achieve these goals. The “how” comes later. Your mission gives meaning and direction to every action you take.
Behavior #3: Set SMART Goals to Build Momentum
Now it’s time for structure. Use the SMART goal framework to turn vision into action:
Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Decide how you’ll know you’ve succeeded.
Attainable: Outline the concrete steps to get there.
Relevant: Make sure the goal truly matters to you.
Timebound: Commit to a clear deadline.
Track your progress regularly, celebrate wins, and adjust as needed. Momentum builds confidence.
Behavior #4: Visualize the Person You Need to Become
Your goals require a stronger version of yourself. Take time to visualize your success—what it looks, feels, and sounds like when you achieve it.
Ask:
Who do I need to become to reach this goal?
What habits must I strengthen?
What new skills do I need to master?
Growth lives outside your comfort zone. Commit fully, and don’t look back.
Behavior #5: Keep Track and Stay Accountable
Success loves consistency. Record your progress in a daily journal—even the smallest wins matter. When setbacks happen, use them as lessons, not excuses.
Surround yourself with a support group of peers or mentors who hold you accountable and celebrate your growth. Accountability is the glue that keeps your goals from slipping away.
The Bottom Line
Yogi Berra was right. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.
At Sandler Minnesota, we help individuals and teams clarify their direction, build confidence, and take consistent action toward meaningful success.
👉 Ready to create your own GPS for growth?
Contact Sandler Minnesota to start designing the roadmap that will take you where you want to go.
