Define Your Particular Goals-Goals let you let know where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and when you’ll arrive; they’re a target for you to shoot for.

The more specific you can be, the better. Set your goals in terms of measurable amounts that are actually achievable and that you can commit to. For example, don’t plan in general-“I’ll have a successful freelance business“; instead, plan in specifics-“This month I’ll make five contacts for the purpose of acquiring at least two new clients.” This enables you to know what you have to do by what date. And if you DON’T reach the goal by then, just keep going until you do!

Write Them Down-Put it on paper, your computer database, or personal organizer. Under each goal, list all the tasks you’ll need to do to reach that particular one. Cross off these tasks as you achieve them.

Always Keep Your Goals In Sight-Don’t bury them somewhere (because you WILL forget them and won’t be as motivated). Hang them up as a poster above your computer (yes, they can be stored in the computer, but sometimes it’s too easy to forget them there, too) , or on a wall behind your desk. Tape them on a work table or part of your work area. Carry them with you. Or, write them on your calendar.

Review The Goals Daily-When planning your schedule and putting together your daily to-do list, refer to the goals. Don’t let a day go by without taking some steps toward your goal. Include the goal’s key tasks on the calendar. This ensures they’ll have your utmost attention.

Create Goals for All Career and Life Aspects-At day’s end, ask yourself, “What have I done to get closer to my goal?” And no excuses!

If you haven’t done anything through the day, try your best to get a goal’s task done that evening if need be.

One common way to sabotage goals is to set them for only one aspect of your life or career. For example, if you’re running a business, you’re not only running it, you’re also getting the business and doing the business. You don’t want to concentrate on just one part, to the exclusion of the rest.

And don’t make just work-related goals; make personal ones as well, for balance. One of the things that you can do is plan a weekly family outing or dinner with you and just the hubby or the wife once a month.

To Help You Along…..

Ohio artist Dinara Mirtalipova has created a blank writing journal (with a breathtaking cover!) that can be used not only for goal setting, but also for working out ideas, recording dreams, and other flights of fancy (which can enhance any present and future goals). Check out http://www.mirdinara.com; retails for $36. For those on a budget, several dollar and discount stores also carry a nice selection, from $5 and up.

A good night of sleep will not only boost your immunity; it’ll also give you the energy and outlook to help achieve your goals. A blend of calming essential oils are featured in the product Sleep Rollerball from Essence One. Chill and unwind! For more info, go to http://www.essenceone.life ($18).

A lot of people are able to work from home straight out of bed, entirely in their “jammies” for several hours or even the whole day. I’m NOT one of them. It’s essential that I wash up, change undies, get dressed, make the bed, get my mom “situated” (I’m also a full-time caregiver.), etc; then and only then, do I feel ready to tackle my projects. Even though my “commute” is actually from upstairs to downstairs, this much-needed routine puts me in regular work mode.

I also take a couple of breaks to recharge and refresh my brain. It may be a very simple brunch, a water or lemonade break, or just stepping away for five to ten minutes, doing another activity or just simply doing nothing.

I don’t actually have a set time to work, but what I DO strive for is a certain time block: for example, I’m finishing this up within my 12:30 pm.-4:30 pm. slot (with a break in there somewhere). If I’m having a super-busy, hectic day or am just tired, I’ll try to get some work done from 11:30 pm. -3 am. A LOT can be accomplished, provided I can stay awake!

I don’t actually have a set time to work, but what I DO strive for is a certain time block: for example, I’m finishing this up within my 12:30 pm.-4:30 pm. slot (with a break in there somewhere). If I’m having a super-busy, hectic day or am just tired, I’ll try to get some work done from 11:30 pm. -3 am. A LOT can be accomplished, provided I can stay awake!

Product sources: Editor Picks-Home + Garden segment and Self-care resolutions-recipe for success-Life segment- Midwest Living, January/February 2021