Setting goals is a very significant part of success and positive accomplishments as is your positive outlook and self discipline..

Goal setting is about laying out the framework of your plan, following through on that plan, and eventually achieving the things you want in your life. You achieve satisfaction at completion and also develop new successful habits.

Goals give you long-term vision and short-term motivation. They help you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make the very most of your life by concentrating your efforts.

Setting goals creates a map or blueprint for your direction and target achievements in life… marking where you should begin, where to pause, where to dig in, and where and when to stop. Your blueprint also allows you to see if you are making achievements that are taking you closer to your goals.

Setting goals enables you to track your progress and helps you become more confident and motivated to achieve your plans. It’s important to measure your progress towards your goal. It’s also especially important to recognize when you have accomplished your goal and need to go no further. This allows you to refocus on your next achievement.

Goal setting helps you be proactive in dealing with challenges that may affect your plans. This allows you to outline possible difficulties that may occur as well as your solutions to these difficulties. You will be prepared with a solution or strategy when that times comes (and we all get those unexpected hiccups that life throws us when we least expect it) and you will cope better as you already have a plan in mind.

Setting goals can be used in every aspect of your life from personal or family life, to your career and finances. Goal setting can be as simple or more involved and it is recommended to include set standards that would suit your present situation and capabilities.

Without goals to strive for you become comfortable in life but not enthusiastic. If you no longer feel challenged, goals will give you a sense of purpose and direction.

Goal setting is about laying out your plan, following through on that plan, and eventually achieving the things you want in your life….And you deserve the best that life has to offer!

Goals Create Meaning....

Pursuing life goals directed toward growth, such as striving “to foster personal growth, meaningful relationships and contributions to society” – in contrast to striving for “money, status or approval” – provides unique benefits (Spinath & Stiensmeier-Pelster, 2003).

Pursuit of “growth” goals leads to increased self-development and personal well-being, including life satisfaction and happiness, even if the goals remain uncompleted.

Write down your goals
Writing down your goals keeps you focused. Just imagine…. when you’re at the crossroads you will be helped in your choice of direction when you have a written plan to follow. This will help with these distractions and get you back on track faster.

Researchers have found that those who had written their goals down achieved much of what they originally wanted. Setting one goal at a time helps you focus on it as your priority and concentrates your efforts.

Do your goals meet the criteria for SMART goals:
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

Have you ever wondered why people fail to achieve their goals?
According to Dr Maxwell Maltz author of PsychoCybernetics, one of the three main reasons is because most people choose the wrong goals to which they have no burning desire to achieve.

How you benefit from setting goals….
* Increases your motivation to achieve
* Increase your pride and satisfaction in your achievements

Research has shown that people who use goal setting effectively:
* Suffer less from stress and anxiety
* Concentrate better
* Show more self confidence
* Perform better
* Are happier and more satisfied.

To get outstanding results learn how to focus and concentrate your time, energy and resources on a single objective.

Be like a laser beam focused on your target and this energy will produce greater results achieved sooner.

Goal setting is a powerful process for motivating yourself to turn this vision of your future into reality. You deserve the best that life has to offer!

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are under way and I’m sure you can identify with these athletes as they prepare to represent their countries.

Are you hanging back or taking advantage of golden opportunities to dive off the starting blocks and propel yourself to greatness?

Like many athletes this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that needs to be grasped with both hands to make the most of this special moment in time. Are there opportunities in your life slipping by?

"Life Is A Daring Adventure Or Nothing At All"
~ Helen Keller ~

For many to go after your dreams you need words of encouragement to help you feel confident enough to take these first steps.

Never underestimate 'The Power Of Encouraging Words'.  Receiving and giving encouraging words help others to develop their strengths.  While it’s important to give words of encouragement to others, it is vital to give them to yourself.

You can uplift and strengthen by your words of encouragement not only to others but also to encourage yourself. ..Remember to take time out to occasionally give yourself a pat on the back.

During these times of change usually known as ‘Lessons of Life’....You need words of encouragement especially when… from out of nowhere and totally unexpected….that curve ball comes your way and wants to suck the wind right out of your sails.

“You Can't Change The Direction Of The Wind, But…
You Can Adjust Your Sails To Always Reach Your Destination.”

You may be wondering how to encourage yourself.  Are you aware that compliments, encouragement and praise can shape lives and futures?  Words are powerful and can heal or hurt. I want you to stop & think for a moment and ask yourself....How are your own words shaping your future?

A great exercise is to make a list of the positive and negative ways you describe yourself. This list is for your eyes only so don’t feel you have to share it with others.  Now I'm asking you to be honest and look over your list of words and phrases.  Are your words encouraging or discouraging?   Do you believe your words are limiting your ability to accomplish all that you deserve in life?  Putting on 'mind blinkers' can also screen out your success.

It is time to recognize that these negative thoughts in your head are no longer serving you. But right now you need to replace them with positive and uplifting thoughts and words of encouragement.

“Kind Words Can Be Short and Easy To Speak,
But Their Echoes Are Truly Endless.”
~ Mother Theresa ~

Reading Inspirational Books or listening to tapes (you can often find real gems at your local thrift store) and cds can be very uplifting and encouraging.  Some of my favourite books are by  Anthony Robbins which sit  on my bedside table and I often read before going to bed.

Another great idea experts have proven is that it's helpful to start writing your journal to keep daily notes of not only your mental thoughts but of your progress along your journey.

How do you view setbacks.... as obstacles and a hindrance or as a golden opportunity to take on a challenge to test your skills.  Have you ever considered that these setbacks are your teacher and are often replaced with equal or better opportunities?

Stepping outside your comfort zone teaches you to really learn to soar & take advantage of your hidden talents and untapped resources to achieve more of your potential.  I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can achieve.

It's very rewarding making your dreams come true.  Make your dreams a reality and speak the words of encouragement you need to propel yourself along your journey of discovery. You are unique in each and every way and deserve the best that life has to offer.

Keep speaking words of encouragement and take advantage of golden opportunities. Dive off the starting blocks and propelling yourself to greatness….You Deserve It!

Imagine what it would be like to feeling better about yourself and having more confidence in your abilities.

It’s simpler than you may imagine to build your self confidence and self esteem.

These simple techniques have been proven to help….

1. Self Talk
Negative self talk can limit you, increase your stress level, and affect your self concept. The first step toward change is to become more aware of the problem.  Once you’re aware of your internal dialogue, change it to positive self talk and notice the difference it makes to your self confidence.

You can change who you are by changing what you say when you talk to your mind. When you change self limiting statements to questions … “This is impossible!” to “How can I make this possible?”

"The More You Praise and Celebrate Your Life,
The More In Life There Is To Celebrate!”
~  Oprah Winfrey ~

2. Looking Your Best
Being well groomed gives you confidence and your self esteem a real boost. You never know when you may meet a business contact.  If they don’t think you care about your own appearance how will they think you will handle their business.

3. Fake It Until You Make It
I’m sure you’re aware of the saying….Fake It Until You Make It!  In other words, if you put on a confident front it can help you feel confident on the inside which becomes obvious on the outside.  Before long you’ll be ‘beaming’ with confidence.

4. Use Positive Eye Contact
When speaking to someone look them in the eye.  You don’t have to turn it into a staring competition, look away occasionally.  (I’m sure if you’re anything like me you get totally frustrated when someone is looking everywhere else but at you..it makes you wonder if they are really listening or just cant wait to get away)

5. Fix Your Posture
How you stand definitely sends out a message to the world, and in turn, you will feel that message internally.  There is even scientific evidence that shows how posture affects your mood.  Slouching produces a down-low mood.  Standing tall and upright will actually lift your mood.

Stop and think for a moment of the impression you are giving others...As you walk along the street are your eyes looking at the ground… or ahead confidently, with a smile on your face?  Help build up your confidence by pulling back those shoulders, stop that slouch, and walk proud….and Smile.

6. The Golden Smile – A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Words
A smile breaks down barriers… Smiling illuminates your personality and encourages people to warm to you and makes an important and lasting impact.  Are you aware that it takes more facial muscles to frown than it does to smile?  Smiles are contagious.  Try It!

7.  Giving Thanks
Giving thanks to what you are, how you look, and what you are doing increases your self esteem & confidence.  Say “thank you” to yourself to everything you see, each smile you receive and all whom you meet. (My son thinks I’m quite strange when I say ‘thank you’ when I find a parking spot)

Don’t allow your dreams to fall by the wayside because you don’t feel you can achieve them.  Past experiences are only an indication of what you think you can achieve…Decide what you want to achieve… Follow through with Focus and Determination…and… Go For It!

Ask yourself this question... Is fear of the unknown holding you back from achieving your dreams?  Fear is a powerful motivator and believe it or not....Unconscious fear of disappointment, failure or even success can be holding you back.

Moving into uncharted territory can be scary and overwhelming but it gives you a golden opportunity to blossom and grow as your knowledge expands.  Out-of-date information and facts can affect your actions and decisions which in turn restrict your progress.

As you gain knowledge, experience and take action your fear will disappear and your confidence will increase. It takes courage to step outside your comfort zone and taking baby steps each and every day will move you forward and closer to your dreams and goals.

In order to grow and broaden your horizons you need to take those first steps.  Taking action each and every day is a critical part of moving forward.  Sometimes the smallest change can made the biggest difference.  Seize the moment.   Don’t let opportunities pass you by…Take advantage of each and every one.

“You don't have to get it right... Just get it going!”
~ Mike Litman ~

Beginning your ‘Journey of Discovery’ others...including family and friends will try to ‘rain on your parade’.  Never lose heart and above all…keep your dreams alive. Don't let your fears or the negativity of others keep holding you back.

More importantly, find like minded people to share your dreams and goals with who will nurture, inspire and guide you along your journey.  Your goals and expectations will evolve before your eyes as your confidence and knowledge grows.

Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn or to ask questions.  It’s often been said…”The only ‘stupid’ question is the one not asked!”

The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.  And… I'm sure you're already aware that...Knowledge Is Power!

Set goals to inspire you! And use mistakes as corrective feedback to get you back on track.  It's important to set realistic goals and congratulate yourself on each and every achievement... no matter how small.

There's no use living dreams in your head... you need to experience them.  Be encouraged to embrace your dreams and don’t allow your fears to stand in the way of your ultimate success...Demand the best for yourself, believe in yourself and the potential within you to succeed.

Spread Your Wings And Soar Like An Eagle... As You Begin Your Journey of Discovery And Make Your Dreams A Reality!