Your Resolutions

Marine," formulate a simple and easyto-follow plan, such as, "I'm going to the gym four times a week."

What is the best way to set goals and achieve them? Starting with a behavioral-based plan is key. Motivational pioneer Earl Nightingale said that we are happier when we're setting out upon a mission. People are always better off when they're climbing, thinking, and working toward improving themselves. Nightingale, who still motivates thousands of people every day, long after his death, defined success as "the progressive realization of a worthy goal."

You are better when you're productive and your self-esteem will increase as a result of achievement. Here are some suggestions to cross-reference with your own approach to goal setting and planning:

' Create a Laundry List

Think of what you want to accomplish in the next year, personally and professionally. Maybe you want to lose weight. get a promotion. or save enough money to finance a new car. Whatever you want, make sure your soals are achievable. realistic and measurable. Put a value on your goal.

For example, "Lose 10 lbs." or "Save $5,000 for a down payment." A measurable value gives you a method for keeping track of your progress.

Compare your progress to your goal value periodically so you'll always know where you stand in terms of progress. A value can also serve as a limit. For example, limit yourself to one drink or one dessert per week. When you save that one treat for the perfect time, you'll keep yourself on the right track.

. Make a Plan

Make sure you have a plan to back up each of your goals. Identify each item on your list with an action. For example, if your goal is to lose l0 lbs., then walking to work can be your action plan. If your goal is to quit drinking, staying out of bars can be your action plan. Keep the plan doable and reasonable because you have to keep it up for the rest of your life. Don't expect to start running five miles every morning at 6:00 if you're never up before noon and you haven't run since your days on the high school track team. Similarly, if you're a bartender, then staying away from bars is

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' Write Your ()oals l)oun

Most peoplc don't rcalize horv therapeutic rvriting can bc. Not only does lvriting goals f'eel good. but it also scts a tone fbr the goal. even if it's a little motivation by .ruilt. Whcn you ivrite it down. yctu cornmit yourself to the plern and you can't let it slip your rnind after a f'erv rveeks. Use a calendar tct plan rvhere you want to be in terms of your goal over the course of the year. If you knorv you want to save $-5.000 for a dor,vn payment on a new car by the end of the year. it ivould be realistic to say you'll have $1.750 saved by March and $2.500 saved by June. Write these mini-goals dorvn so you can assess your progress through the year. Plus, having a solid plan in ivriting rvith all the steps outlined rvill help you sleep better. achier,'e peace of mind, and reduce stress.

t Seeing Is lleliering

Writing your plans won't hclp if you can't see them on a daily basis. Once you have your plans rvritten down on a calcnclar. don't hidc it in your drarver where you can ignore it. Instead, post it in a visible location where you'll see it r,vhether you'd likc to or not. This is a critical part of har,ing a plan. When your resolution is visible, it's as fresh in 1,our mincl today as thc day you lvrote it. No Superbowl champ -tIocs out on thc field lvithout sccing a tante plan.

What's your plan?

Keep your resolutions by rnaking realistic. behavior-based goals. Write don'n vour plan and post it in a visible loe 111.r,' rr lrelc )otr (an'l irn()re it.

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