We hear a lot about the steps we should take to achieve our goals, however unless we take the first steps to realistically consider who and what we are right now ? our capabilities and interests ? and think logically about what we'd like to accomplish, our chances of achieving our "goal" are slim to none. Here are a few things to think about when you're trying to decide what you'd like to do.

1. Your goals need to be your goals

Not your spouse's or significant other's, not your friends', parents', children's, etc. - YOURS!

2. Your goals must be achievable

It's great to stretch for them, in fact it's desirable, but you must be able to honestly picture yourself achieving them.

3. You must be willing to put forth some extra effort

It's not possible to achieve more by vegging out in front of the TV. It will take extra effort and sometimes extra money.

"You can't take a trip unless you're willing to pay the price of the ticket."

4. You gotta really want to do it

How can you achieve something you really don't want? If you can honestly picture yourself doing this "thing" you want to do and can approach the task of getting it done with a positive attitude, your chances for success are very good.

*Success - taking the steps to do those things you want to do!

5. Be picky about who you tell

We need positives and support to accomplish our goals. Share your thoughts and plans only with those who will back your efforts.

6. Achieving your goal must benefit everyone concerned

Think about the end result of achieving your goal. How will others be affected? Will the overall result be positive and in everyone's best interests?

(Note: Not everyone has to like the result!)

7. Will accomplishing your goal be fun/enjoyable?

There can be some hard work between "here" and "there". If we get satisfaction from our progress and we know we'll feel good when we reach our goal, we'll have a much better chance of getting it done.

(Why would we ever do anything to intentionally make our lives miserable?)

One last thing. OK, maybe a couple of last things. The two references to imaging ? as in being able to "picture" yourself achieving your goal ? are extremely important. The picture you create is far more powerful than any words you could ever use to describe a goal. It should be an integral part of the initial thinking and planning process. Also ? spend a little time thinking about the PEMS sisters. You know what I'm talking about, right? The Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual components of our life that are a part of everything we do? Include them as partners in the planning of your new life video. You may just find that one of them will turn out to be the deciding factor in whether or not you should move into the full production process.

To succeed ? just do what you love to do.

About The Author

Gene, through NuPathz.com, provides an easy reading self-help blog, articles and links along with affordable books and materials written to help folks find the road to a more enjoyable lifestyle, to pass on some of life's "secrets for survival" in a chaotic world & offer a few smiles along the way. It's a down-to-earth, simple approach to discovering a better life. You can visit Gene at http://www.nupathz.com/

gene@nupathz.com