Jim,
  Great thoughts on timelines, planning, focus, commitment, setting goals,
time management, persistance and organized actions for successful results.
The principles of success are universal.

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Universal-Principles-of-Success&id=29545

  Here's one for us all to consider;  "Those who fail to plan, plan to
fail."  - author unknown.

  A long time ago, I learned some things about goal-setting. It has an
energizing effect.
  Write down your goals.  Set the long-term goal, divide the overall task
into measurable' waypoints' or mid-term goals, then finally break these
points down further into short-term goals.
  The success goal and the path to attain it, then become very clear.  Set
SMART  goals-
  a.. S Specific
  b.. M Measurable
  c.. A Attainable
  d.. R Relevant
  e.. T Time-bound
http://www.success77.com/Goals/index.htm

  Become a student of the situation, by soaking up all the info that you can
get your hands on, to help gain better understanding of principles and
processes of your goal.  Whatever it takes, be willing to do it.

  Another style of achievement; BRATES; Balanced Revitalizing Achievements
Triggering Enjoyable Success.  See;

http://www.goalsetting.biz/brates.htm

HTH,

Mike B.