How to Build a Personal 10-Year Plan For a business owner, it could be the difference between making a profit and elusive success.

Young or old, stable or in transition, starting a new business or trying to find an exit strategy for a mature business, building a 10-year plan can give you a significant edge in living a happier and more fulfilling life. More specifically, for a business owner, it could be the difference between making a profit and harnessing your passion or losing years of your life as success continually remains elusive. The primary objective should be to take control of your future and not to simply be reactive and take what life throws at you.

If you don't have a written, passionate vision of your future 10 years from now, what are you even doing and why? Have you really thought through your activities right now and what the long-term ramifications will be?

Writing down a plan can be a game changer in your personal growth and happiness. If you feel uncertain about what you want out of life, or unhappy about what you seem to be consistently receiving from this crazy world, make a plan to change it! What will it hurt? What do you have to lose? This could make the difference you have been looking for to get you motivated and focused. Here's a five-step approach to getting started.