I've let things get piled up lately and have been neglectful in posting here.  It doesn't mean I haven't been busy.  It's just that I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed with all the things I want to do and all the things I need to do.  I realized I needed a little refresher on goal setting and I'll share them here.  These are things that have worked for me in the past and that I need to put back into practice now!

Setting goals does not have to be difficult and you don't have to be a rocket scientist (unless that is your goal).  It's really simple and easy.  Anyone can do it and it doesn't have to be overly complicated.  Here are some simple steps to get started.

>>    Start with deciding exactly what you want.  Don't dream small and don't settle for what you think you can get.  There are no limits to dreaming.  Decide what you need right now.  Decide the one thing you want to do in this life if you could.  Decide what is missing from your life.  

>>    Having big dreams is just the beginning.  You do not necessarily have to know how to get to where you're going.  Make an action plan and create a step by step map on how to get to each part of your goal.  Everyone needs directions when starting on a journey.  Making this map of your action plan will carry you closer to your final goal.   

>>    Take action and just do it. Dreaming and mapping a plan will get you squat unless you get your behind out of your chair and do something.  Dream, make a plan and then get up every day and do whatever it takes to get closer to your goals.  

Along with getting started, here are some things to avoid when goal planning.  These things will not only hold you back from reaching your goals, but will bring discouragement and a sense of defeat.  So to avoid that, avoid the following.

>>    Procrastinate.  The ultimate thief.  It steals your time and robs the joy from life if you allow it.  It is so easy to fall into just "letting it slide."  Sure, there are plenty of things you can put off until later.  Much easier to surf the internet rather than clean your office.  

>>    Lack of accountability.  Being accountable is a prime factor in setting goals.  Tell someone of your goals.  If you have no one to be accountable to, there is a good chance you will not hold yourself accountable either.  Having no accountability means you’ll likely slack more instead of working to reach your goals.

>>    Time wasters.  These are as bad as putting things off, maybe even worse.  Time wasters are goal killers every time.  Stop talking on the phone so much.  Do you really need to spend so much time playing computer games?  Shopping trips do not have to be marathons.   

>>    Having unrealistic expectations.  It's one thing to dream big.  There are no limits to dreams, but there is reality and what is possible for you to accomplish in the time you have allotted.  Check yourself frequently on whether your expectations are reasonable.  If so, then go for it.  If not, look at your goals and possibly rethink the timeline.  

Can you achieve your goals? Absolutely!  Dream big, map a plan and start working toward your goals.  Remember to quit wasting time and be realistic.  After that, anything could happen.

There's a little ebook I put together about staying motivated.  It's completely free.  Staying Motivated