Not quite. Almost. Not exactly. Nice try. Close, but no cigar. We have all heard these familiar refrains before. But contrary to what these sayings would lead you to believe, getting close does indeed count for something – and something big. The old saying that goes "getting close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” should be amended to read "getting close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades ... and life."

While winners never plan to fail or fall short in their quest to be the best, they recognize that the closer they get to reaching their goals – the better they get in the process. For example, a salesperson may set a goal to make 100 sales this year. Half way through the year, this person may have made 40 sales. Since this individual is not exactly half way to his or her stated goal at this point, is this person a failure? No, far from it.

In fact, this person is well on his or her way to the winner’s circle – and here’s why. The previous 40 sales made has provided this winner an excellent blueprint of what does and does not work in the business. He or she has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight and has also learned the "ins and outs" of what to do and what not to do. Further, the winner can now put this new information and knowledge to work in the second half of the year. Chances are very good that this winner will not only meet but greatly exceed the stated goal of 100 sales.

Getting close is always a good start to getting where you want to go – and is always a lot closer than where you began. No doubt about it, success has and always will be a step by step process. With each new step taken, the goal gets a little closer, a little clearer and a little easier to reach. By making every day count for something special, it’s not a matter of “if” an individual will reach his or her goal – it’s only a matter of when.

You too must take as many steps as you can every day, making certain you do not skip any important steps along the way. By staying focused on your goals, you’ll get a little closer, a little closer and a little closer to making your dreams come true. Then, before you know it, you will have reached farther and climbed higher than you ever dreamed was possible. Getting close does count – so why not get going and get closer … today?