The beginning of a new year brings with it a bit of a worn-out tradition:

Setting New Year’s Resolutions.

Warning: This is goal setting and goal getting only for the serious.

First, choose a goal that is big enough to inspire you. You want to choose something that, come this time next year, you will be proud to have accomplished because your life will be different. Wimpy goals produce wimpy results.

Next, make sure you have a big enough reason to want to accomplish your big goal. If there’s a big enough reason, you can be powerfully and consistently motivated. Having a big enough reason also allows you to blow through the deadly "I want to’s."

The first one to blow through is "I want to want to," which is really just a should in disguise. As in "I know I really should save more money; it’s a good idea." It’s intellectual assent with no intention of making it real in your life.

The next one to blow through is "I want to," which is only a little better than I want to want to. It’s weak because anything that stands in your way will easily throw you off course.

After you have chosen a big goal, with a big enough reason why, the next step is to put your goal in writing. The weakest ink is still better than the best memory. So put it in writing, and not just once.

Write your goal down on a 3-by-5 index card every day. This will remind you what is important and helps keep you focused and on track. Write your goal in what I call the positive present tense, such as: "I am so happy that …" Write your goal as if you have already accomplished it. An example would be "I am so happy that I am saving money for my future."

The next step is to live your life above the line. This is a concept I recently learned from Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame and recent co-author of "The One-Minute Millionaire." Above the line is learning and personal responsibility; below the line is blaming. And when it comes to achieving goals, we are very skilled at blaming. We blame others when we think that someone kept us from our goal. We blame circumstances when we believe if only this would not have happened … And we blame ourselves when we beat up on ourselves for slipping from the path to our goals.

Living above the line means looking at each and every situation as an opportunity to learn more about how to achieve our goals. Live below the line and you will not achieve the results you want; instead you will just have a few good-sounding reasons why you did not make it. Live above the line and you radically increase your chances for achieving your big goal.

Your next task is to get way out in front of your goals. You can do this in at least two ways. The first is to take at least one action toward your goal immediately, in the same day you set your goal. The next way to get it is to do so much toward it immediately that you build tremendous momentum that will carry you through. Taking massive action toward your goal right now is a sure-fire way to make certain your new way of living quickly becomes a habit.

So get going, NOW. Because for our purposes, NOW stands for No Other Way.

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You’ve heard of goals, mission statements and vision statements. There are plenty of books and seminars about goal setting. Did you know there were distinct differences in goals, mission statements and business vision?

The differences are unique: this information will help you separate what a goal is from a mission statement or a vision.

Goals are specific, measurable, realistic outcomes or results, usually completed by a specific date. Tasks or assignments support the completion of the goals, either by individuals or groups of individuals. Goals support your mission and vision statements, and goals, mission statements and vision is usually aligned with your values.

Goal Example: ABC Company will release two new computer programs in the United States by end of year 2005. These products will influence long-term relationships in the international community.

A Business mission is what you want your business to be; how it is perceived in the world. A mission statement is about what your business does or what products or services your business provides. A mission can include the outcomes of what you do and who you do it for.

Mission Example: ABC Company designs influential software programs that enable people to find information on the Internet in less than two seconds.

A Business Vision is about the impact your business will have on the world. The Vision is what pulls you forward. With a clear business vision, each day is effortless, with more satisfaction and prosperity in your life.

Vision Example: U.S.-based ABC Company is the only software provider of global nations. Ownership of ABC Company is held as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This plan allows each employee to have a secure financial future.

Will I Get Better Clients or Customers with a Business Vision?

The best reason in the world to have a great vision than rely on short-term goals is the ability to attract better clients.

Clarity about who you are and what you do on a daily basis is supported by your vision. The more you focus on what your clients or customers want and need, the easier it will be for them to see your contributions. One client became so clear on his vision that he eliminated the bottom twenty percent of his clients, redefined his definition of his ideal customer, and raised his fees.

Always remember that your business vision is the primary requisite in the search for a successful business and life. Goals come after the vision. Vision is bigger than anything. Make sure you have your Vision with a Capital V.

Joanne Victoria, 25-year Vision and Business Coach works with entrepreneurs and solo professionals to build successful lives and businesses by helping them tell their truth. Author of: Lighting Your Path! How To Create the Life You Want and Vision With a Capital V - Create the Business of Your Dreams.

http://www.JoanneVictoria.com
Orders: 888-503-2665

Why is it that some people set goals and give up on them while others set goals and achieve them with amazing ease? The answer almost certainly lies in applying the following 7 secrets of goal-setting.

1. Start With Your Strengths. Although you can base your goals on anything you want, your chances of success are greater if, first, you base them on your strengths and second, on the current opportunities in your field. To find out your strengths, do some self-research, such as a personal SWOT: your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

2. Put Your Goals In Writing. Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants, can’ts into cans, dreams into plans and plans into reality. The act of writing clarifies your goals and provides you with a way to check your progress. You can even add reasons to give you more motivation. So don’t just think it - ink it!

3. Dream Big. One of the factors that restricts the realisation of our full potential is the belief that we shouldn’t go for big goals. Yet all the evidence of those who realize big goals is that we can always achieve far more than we think. David Schwartz says in his book "The Magic of Thinking Big": "Big goals attract big resources like a magnet."

4. Pitch Each Goal. Once you have set your ultimate goal, you then need to set the intermediate goals that will get you where you want. Don’t pitch these too easily or too ambitiously or they will drop into the Drop Zone. Aim to make them challenging: out of reach, but not out of sight.

5. Express Them Right. It’s important to express your goals in the right way.

• never express your goal in terms of what you don’t want; always in terms of what you do want

• express your goals in performance terms not reward terms

• express your goals in terms of how others benefit

• express your goals according to the principles which matter.

6. Set Goals In Terms of Behaviour. When we set goals for ourselves, they should be expressed in behavioural terms, rather than in terms of status, rewards or position. That’s because behaviour is something within our power, while status, rewards and position are not. Formulating goals in behavioural terms also means we present a strong positive image of ourselves to our brains. The brain, not knowing the difference between a real or imagined experience, then seeks to act in accordance with the presented image.

7. Pursue Your Goals With Passion. The driving force behind your goal-achievement is Desire. You must desire your goals constantly, vividly and with a burning passion. If you do, you cannot fail to achieve them. It was said of Michaelangelo that he could blot out every distraction while working on a project such as the statue of David, until it was completed.

When you pursue your goals with these 7 habits, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they manifest themselves and how much more enjoyable the process becomes.

© 2005, Eric Garner, ManageTrainLearn.com

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To accomplish one’s goal in life can be a daunting and intensive affair. It can also be an experience, which pushes one to the brink of their personal capacities. This sometimes-painful process is the growth catalyst within our lives.

Study the biographies of some of the greatest personalities of our time, and you can identify moments and experiences, which served as a point of awakening, forever changing the direction of the person’s life. Challenges are a necessary part of a person’s growth and evolution. An existence devoid of such activity is an existence of stagnation. In nature the cataclysmic affects of storms, brush fires, etc. sometimes leave the perception of irreconcilable destruction in our view. However what we cannot see with the physical eye, is the incredible potential for new life, and expressions of vibrancy to emerge.

This paradigm on life is a propostion, which is easier said than done. When one is gripped in the throws of turmoil and challenge seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be difficult. The difficulty in seeing the other side is as much a part of the process of rebirth as is the pain involved.

As people we can only speculate as to the time-frame of our eventual emergence into the light; much like a midwife can only speculate as to the exact time of a birth. Striving in one’s perceived way, towards one’s goals is a process nurtured by faith, focus and patience. One must understand that the “process”, is a necessary part of the birth and evolution of one’s gifts.

Regi Adams is a business coach, educator and writer for Bascom & Adams Business Solutions. Regi has conducted his human based approach to professional development within multiple Fortune 500 companies. Regi’s philosopy on exceptional business performance is that "all success starts with people". Thus Regi’s approach to creating high performance organizations is by creating high performance teams, made up of high performance people.

Information on Bascom & Adams Business Solutions programs and services can be found at http://www.bascomadams.com

"Plan for the future, because that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life." - Mark Twain

Another year is upon us and you have your list of resolutions or goals you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. It’s time to plan your goals so that it’s not just another conversation this year, but a focused plan for success. I will share with you five goal setting techniques guaranteed to help you achieve more out of life. Use the goal setting techniques listed below to help you achieve your targets:

1. Be SMARTER with your Goals.

Make your goals:
Specific,
Motivational,
Action-oriented,
Relevant to your situation,
Time-bound,
Encouraging,
Rewarding

For example, “I will increase my sales by 15% compared to last year.” Be as specific about your goal as possible. “I will start my own catering business” is a lot stronger than “I want to go into business for myself.” Challenging goals are motivating. Set goals that will push beyond what you usually think you can accomplish. Remember to set a deadline. A goal without a deadline is simply a dream. Attach a realistic yet challenging deadline for accomplishment and post this where you can review it regularly.

2. Visualize your goals. Take 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes just before you go to bed; find a quiet place; close your eyes and relax, and visualize yourself actually achieving your goals. Remember the more senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, etc.) you can involve, the more real your visualization becomes. I ask during my seminars, “Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that you woke up in the middle of it?” Well the reason for that is the subconscious mind is at work involving all of those senses to trick you into believing the dream is real. Well, you don’t have to wait; work at visualizing your goals today.

3. Phrase your goal in the present tense and assume success. Don’t say, “I want to.” Say, “I will.” This subtle technique tells your subconscious that you have already achieved your goal, which means it will work at helping the goal become a reality. It will attract the people, places, and situations you need to achieve that goal.

4. Put your goals in writing. This simple act helps you clarify your goals and will allow you to visualize them more effectively. I recommend that you record each goal on a separate index card and review them twice a day – once in the morning (when you first wake up) and again before you go to bed. Post index cards where you spend the most time; on the bathroom mirror, on the frig., on your nightstand, etc. This process reinforces your goals, acts as a reminder, and drives your goals deep into your subconscious. In fact, this is one of the most powerful strategies you can use to achieve your targets.

5. List the benefits you intend to receive by achieving each goal. This will keep you focused and strong, particularly when you face the inevitable roadblocks and barriers. In June, when I chose to lose 20 pounds, I listed 12 benefits, and when I had the urge to put butter on my veggies or help myself to a second serving of food, I would review this list to help me get past that craving. I lost the 22 pounds and two inches around my waistline to date. I think I will go for another 10 pounds. This was not a diet, just a lifestyle change. The more benefits you can list for your goals, the more motivating those goals will become.

So my challenge to you to is to take the time to plan your goals. Start with one goal and visualize it, write it down, and act on it. As I always say, “If you don’t invest the time to set goals then someone else will do it for you. And I guarantee you won’t like their goals.” Invest the time, start today!

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Go to his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint, and receive the free ebook, "Empowerment and Stress Secrets for the Busy Professional."

We all have dreams and desires, goals and aspirations that we hope one day we will achieve in life. Our wants can range from starting a new job or career, to losing weight, improving the quality of a relationship, starting a family, getting out of debt, or developing our spirituality or overcoming harmful behaviors.

Thinking about and articulating what we want out of life will mean that we are going to have to make some changes in order to reach our goals. Yet coping with change isn’t always something we easily adapt to, despite the fact that change is a normal part of life and will keep occurring whether we want it to or not. So, even if you don’t want to change anything about your life, and are working to keep it secure and predictable, change is one of those things that will be as certain as death and taxes! It will happen! So, whether you are instigating new changes or have become an unwilling participant of change, the following points will help guide you through.

Change is Uncomfortable Accept the fact that change, no matter how large or small brings discomfort, once you accept it you will understand that the discomfort is a normal part of the process of change. When we don’t understand it we will view discomfort as something to be avoided and we may be tempted to run back to what feels safe and secure (even if it is harmful!)

Half Full or Half Empty?

What is great about this change? You might have difficulty seeing the blessings right now but one day you will look back and see an enormous amount of growth and change in you. Don’t let change make you bitter and stuck in the past. Life is forever moving forward and encouraging you to ride with it!

Learn to be Flexible

The more rigid we are, the greater the stress we will experience when change comes. Learn to relax, go with the flow and look for the lessons that life is teaching you at this time.

Face Your Losses

Change will bring loss; so don’t be surprised if you feel like you are in mourning. It’s good to grieve, so allow yourself to go through the process of grieving what is being left behind.

Find Support

Find a good supportive network and speak about your feelings, don’t keep it all bottled up inside. It is especially helpful to meet with others who have been through the same changes as they can offer tips and advice on what to do and identify with how you feel.

Instigating Change?

How do you eat an elephant? That’s right, one bite at a time! Break down what it is you need to do into small achievable goals, too much too soon and you will become overwhelmed and distraught with what needs to happen.

Take Our Test

Take the "Are You Ready For Change Assessment" to see if you are in the right place for change.

Achieve Any Goal With These Four Steps To Greatness

Dream

We must first imagine what it is we wish to accomplish in our businesses, careers relationships and lives in general. It’s through allowing ourselves the freedom to dream that we develop a sense of deep desire to claim our lives from the day-to-day distractions. In my program “Dream, Focus, Plan, Do” the first step is inspiring you to dream again. Dreaming of the possibility is the induction into embracing your true self. Too many of us are on auto-pilot. We do whatever is expected of us. We live our lives under some self-imposed false guidelines. I will challenge you to strip away those guidelines and see yourself 10 years old, with all of the possibilities laid in front of you. Our self-imposed limitations are actually excuses that derail us. Every amazing accomplishment on this planet was dreamt of before it was realized. Dreaming is your first step.

Pull out a sheet of paper and begin to write out your dreams. These dreams or goals must be personal in nature. Everyone has something they long to achieve. List those dreams and goals. Go crazy. It’s okay. No one is going to read this list. You must list at least 5 goals. These 5 goals must bring a smile to your face. You must be emotionally connected to the possibility of reaching these goals. Dream on. Have fun.

Focus.

Once we’ve allowed ourselves to dream we must then focus on our newly aligned goal. In this world of distractions we must make a conscious effort to pinpoint our goals. Nothing just happens. We must zoom in until the static around us is minimized and we’re standing face to face with our defined goal. Focus brings clarity and clarity brings us into a call of action. Focus is a pivotal step in claiming your life. You cannot claim what you nonchalantly acknowledge. True focus demands our full attention and what we focus on then becomes our priority. Go back to your list of dreams and number them from 1-5 in order of personal passion.

Return to your list of the fantastic 5 goals, now put a check mark beside the three goals you feel most strongly about. These goals must especially invoke passion in you heart because these three goals now become your "Focused Goals". Read over your list. Do you feel excited about the prospect of achieving those goals? Are these goals in line with the person you would like to become? Remember; you cannot achieve a goal that is contradictory to your sense of self. In order to fuel a goal, follow through and achieve it, you must feel it is a purposeful goal. Purposeful goals not only benefit the person achieving it, but it benefits others as well. Now that we’ve defined our goals it’s time to move onto step 3.

Plan.

You have your dream narrowed. Your dream is real to you. You have your focus. You’ve accepted the purposeful importance of birthing your dream into existence. Now we plan. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Begin etching your map complete with defined landmarks which you’ll be able to recognize and gain inspiration from as you reach each small accomplishment. The planning stage is where people have the most difficulty. Smart people tend to believe that being smart means you don’t need a written plan, but in reality, writing down our plans greatly increases our odds of accomplishment. The planning stage is the most important stage of any achievement, any goal, any mission and it cannot be skipped. If you skip the planning stage it’s as if you’re privately saying “I don’t really want to achieve this goal. I’ll pretend to try because pretending to try makes me feel better”.

Accept that the planning stage is the difference between success and a do over. Return to your "Focus Goals" and choose one goal. Which one of the goals on your paper leaps out at you? Which one of those goals gives you the warmest feelings of excitement? Your list of goals must ignite you. If you do not feel inspired by your list please return to step one. Sorry that’s the rules. A goal worth achieving must burn a fire in your heart. There are times when I’m so focused on my goals I can barely sleep. If you feel so passionate about your goals that they keep you up nights with ideas then and only then are you ready to continue to step 4. This is the stage where we take one goal and begin etching our path to achievement. What is one step you must take to fulfilling this goal? How do you begin? You already have begun, but here are some suggestions: Do a search using 5 search engines under the topic of you goal. Save these websites in your browser for future reference. The people who wrote the articles on those websites have something in common with you, make note of their email addresses. Here’s another suggestion: Go to Amazon and do a search for book titles on the subject of your goal. These sources of information will get you well on your way to etching your plan for accomplishing this goal. Planning needs to be set-up in small steps. This week you might plan to read two books on your subject, send 5 emails and join one organization. The plan is fluid, meaning the plan can be modified, it’s the goal which we must be concrete.

Do.

The last step in our 4 part plan is the doing. Doing is 100 times less complicated if we’ve planned. If we’ve planned effectively we’ve given ourselves several short distance landmarks where we can feel accomplishment along the way to our ultimate destinations. I’ve found that the doing is the easiest step in the 4 part process simply because having a defined dream, focus and a plan gives us a sense of expectation to succeed.

This is the doing stage. Actually all stages are doing stages, but this is the stage where we put our plan into action. Go back and read information from all of those websites you saved earlier. Order at least 2 of the books you were able to locate on the subject of your goal. Search for 3 free newsletters on the subject of your goal and subscribe now. Do not be afraid to revise your plan as new information becomes available, but keep the end result of your plan in stone: Accomplish Goal #1. As you take concrete action other opportunities will materialize, doors will open and when they don’t you must stick to your plan. Continue onward despite of perceived obstacles. An obstacle can be overcome, remember there’s always more than one path to achieving your goal.

If you follow the steps outlined you will not only accomplish this single defined goal, but you’ll be confident that future goals are not only attainable, but expected. You have the keys to accomplishing your dreams. Claim your life starting today!

Timothy Crawford is Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia’s Top Up and Coming Motivational Speaker.(http://www.timothycrawford.com)