Donald Deibler, a Pennsylvania business owner, has formalized a personal policy: goals get written down, or they don't count. The rule is straightforward, but its implications extend beyond personal productivity into how small business owners can maintain focus across multiple ventures. Deibler manages All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery and supports his wife's ownership of Dead Horse Beer and Burritos, two operations that demand constant attention. By committing his goals to paper, he creates a tangible reference point that survives the unpredictability of daily operations.
The policy operates on a clear schedule. Every January 1, Deibler writes down his yearly goals. At the start of each month, he adds smaller, specific goals underneath. Both lists remain visible daily, shaping decisions rather than being forgotten in a notebook. This tiered approach breaks large annual targets into manageable monthly steps, reducing the overwhelm that often derails long-term objectives. As Deibler explained, "I like to set yearly goals every January 1st and monthly goals at the beginning of every month. I keep these in the back of my mind daily."
The importance of this announcement lies in its demonstration of how deliberate structure can sustain success in demanding environments. Deibler's days rarely look the same twice, yet the written goals provide a consistent anchor. He describes handling doubt by taking everything one task at a time, a method that mirrors his goal-setting philosophy. Success, in his view, is measured "by accomplishing your goals and exceeding past that." There is no external scorecard; the written list serves as both roadmap and benchmark.
Beyond the bakery and burrito business, Deibler applies the same discipline to community commitments. He has stayed involved with local youth sports donations and volunteer coaching, efforts that also rely on a calendar rather than good intentions. This consistency suggests that the written-goal habit is not a marketing device but an operating rhythm refined over years. For other entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities, the implication is clear: visibility and specificity can transform vague aspirations into actionable plans.
Deibler credits his family, including his parents and siblings, as his biggest influence. Growing up with five siblings in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, taught him to divide attention across priorities without losing track. That early lesson now underpins his approach to business. He also emphasizes that hard work and a positive attitude are essential, though neither appears on a to-do list. These qualities, he suggests, determine whether the list gets finished.
The policy also addresses continued growth. When asked what growth looks like, Deibler answers, "By setting new goals." The process is cyclical: one goal closes, another opens. This mindset prevents complacency and ensures that success is not an endpoint but a stepping stone. For anyone managing complex operations, the takeaway is that written goals provide clarity, accountability, and a path to sustained achievement. Deibler's example shows that formalizing a simple rule can have profound effects on both business and personal development.
