I wanted to learn to swim. So I set my goals, I got down to it, worked hard and struggled to overcome all obstacles. That's the right way to do it, isn't it?

After a month of working at it, with lessons, and practice why wasn't I happy about it? Every time I'd see someone swim effortlessly down the pool I'd look at my own progress and feel inadequate.

It's sometimes the same in life, and business. You can do everything right, by setting out your goals, making some progress, but feel depressed that you haven't reached your main goal quite yet.

Well, try this. Set some smaller, interim goals for along the way. I need to float. I need to kick my feet. I need to paddle my hands.

Then each time you achieve your interim goals celebrate the fact that you've accomplished something new and better. Remember that even the guy who was swimming effortlessly down the pool will have someone who's a better swimmer than they are.

It's the progress that you should celebrate.

There's a great motivational poster called 'Celebrate ? Dolphins' with a quote that says "Take pride in your achievements". This I can do.

In fact I tried the 'stop and smell the roses' approach but who has time to stop for anything these days. This way I can maintain my breakneck speed pace in life and get some enjoyment out of the things I get done by doing my little 'celebrate' thing for each small goal meet. It seems to work.

So, ok, I've got 'float' down pretty good. I can kick my feet. Reason to celebrate for sure as I won't drown if I fall in a pool now. So celebrate, and kick, and kick, and kick.

Willie Jones

Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist. "When Art Inspires, Dreams can Become Reality". http://www.artinspires.com "Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print."