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RESOLUTIONS: 14 TIPS TO HELP YOU KEEP YOUR WORD

The new year is finally here, and along with it many goals
and desires for the future. You know all too well that
unless you stay focused and motivated, you will not reach
your destinations.

If reaching your goals was an easy task, the number of
successes would far outweigh the number of failures. It
simply doesn't work that way. You need to be determined,
dedicated, and have the desire to achieve your goals.

The following tips will help you stick with your plan of
action, and will help you keep your word during 2002.

1. WRITE IT DOWN
If you've been a subscriber for some time now, you have
probably heard this from me on many occasions. To make your
goals real, tangible things you must write them down. You
may think to yourself, 'I should really start exercising',
and then five minutes later you have your mind on something
else and the goal is lost.

2. BE SPECIFIC
This tip is also a common one. Your goals must be specific
if you want to accomplish them. You cannot lose weight, you
can lose a specific number of pounds within a given
deadline. You cannot simply say you want a new job, you
must choose a position, salary, business type, and deadline
for your goal. Be specific.

3. DESK WISH LIST
Write a ten item wish list and keep it in your desk drawer
at work or at home. This will keep you heading in the right
direction even when things get a little hectic and
overwhelming.

4. TELL YOUR FRIENDS
When you have a goal that is made up of giving something
up, like smoking or eating unhealthy food, tell your
friends and peers. They will motivate you and check up on
your progress daily.

5. TELL YOUR FAMILY
When you have a goal that includes moving up and improving
yourself, tell your family. This type of goal may come off
as bragging or egotistical if told at work or to your
friends. Your family will be supportive of your go-up
goals.

6. TAPE YOURSELF
A friend of mine once taped his New Year's Resolution on an
audio cassette for motivation. When his desire began to
slip, he popped in the tape to hear his initial dedication
and motivation to his goal.

7. USE THE WALL SPACE
My walls, at any given time, are covered with my short-term
and long-term goals. I write my goal on an 8 1/2" x 11"
sheet of paper with a black marker and tape it to a blank
space on my wall. If you cannot find an open space on your
walls you may have to redecorate a bit.

8. NOTE TO SELF
After writing your goal down, you can get twice as much use
out of that paper by posting it up in places that you pass
by often. The bathroom mirror, your desk at the office, or
on the fridge are a few places that would be very
effective.

9. MORNING ROUTINE
Incorporating your goals into your morning routine will
ensure that they do not get lost in the shuffle. Before you
leave for school, work, etc. state your goal aloud to
yourself.

10. NIGHTLY REVIEW
After the day is through, take time to reflect at night.
Relax and put yourself in a calm place. Think about the
progress you have made during the day, changes you would
like to make, and how you will act the following day.

11. MEASURE
This tip comes from the thermometer goal measures. These
are the things that are posted up when a group is trying to
raise a certain amount of money or gain a particular number
of members, etc. As you gain ground fill in the bottom
portion and keep working your way up until your thermometer
is completely colored in.

12. PHONE A FRIEND
When your motivation is in a slump, call a friend. The
topic can range from the weather to whether or not you are
working in the right direction where your goals are
concerned. Talking things out is a great way to gain
perspective and to reclaim your lost energy.

13. PICTURE THIS
If your goal can by summed up by a photo or a picture,
you're in luck. As with the note, post your picture up in
areas that you walk by a lot. Being reminded of your goal
on a daily basis will help tremendously.

14. A SYMBOL
Choose a symbol for your goal. If you want to visit Europe,
this could be a small map, a book of famous sites in
Europe, or even a rock a friend gave you that originated in
Europe. Take your material symbol with you wherever you go.
It will keep you motivated and be a constant reminder for
where you want to be.

Use the tips, prosper from them, and enjoy a year full of
accomplishment, success, and greater happiness.

Jason Gracia
http://www.motivation123.com