Isn’t it amazing how fast 2007 has gone? Here we are at the end of another year. Did you accomplish all your goals for the year? Did you do what you set out to do 12 months ago? I find it interesting that we always use the holiday season as a benchmark for how we’re doing. We say things like, "By the time Christmas rolls around, I’ll finally be___________________," whatever that blank line represents for you. Or we’ll say, "This holiday season is going to be different." Maybe it’s because this is the time of year that we spend time with family and we review the year’s progress. It’s also the time of year that brings us some of our most precious memories we had as a child, magical moments and magical feelings that define special times in our lives.

If you’re like most people, this is also the time of year that you set some new goals for the coming year. I’m not talking about resolutions so to speak, but actual things you want to accomplish. This year I want you to do that again but I want you to have my "10 Basic Rules for Successful Goal Setting" with you when you do that. If you follow these rules your goals will be easier to achieve. And if you have any questions about any of them, click here to ask and I’ll expound further. Ready? Here we go…

1. Every goal, big or small, has to be written down.

2. Small goals are just as important as big goals.

3. Always define the obstacles that could come between you and your goal.

4. Write the specific action steps that tell you how you will deal with each obstacle.

5. The action steps are always more important than the goal itself.

6. Goals should be written to be changed whenever necessary.

7. If you don’t reach a goal, and you have to change a target date, change the date. Then keep going.

8. The six most important words in goal setting are "start again, start again, start again."

9. Share your goals only with people who believe in you.

10. The most important ingredient in the success of your goals is your attitude.

There you have them. Make sure you schedule some time on your calendar to have your goal setting session. I’d recommend you do one for yourself and then one with your significant other. But schedule the time on your calendar. Then it will get done. Also, make sure you check back here because in future posts I will define each step in more detail. I believe in you!