1. Write Down Your Goal
Make it measurable and attach a deadline to it. Keep the written goal in a place where you will see it daily.

2. Make Sure It's Really Something You Want To Do
Make sure you're personally committed to making your goal happen. If you're not, you might be better off putting it "on hold" until you're ready to devote your energy to it.

3. Write Down A Reason For Each Goal
It helps to have a clear-cut rationale for your goal. Obviously there was something that prompted you to choose this goal. Write it down and keep it handy. Knowing your rationale can be highly motivating. Better yet, tape record your reason(s) and listen to them when you find yourself dragging your feet.

4. Build A Support System For Your Goal
Make a deal with a friend or colleague to check up on you at pre-scheduled times to see where you stand with your goal. (It helps to be willing to do the same for your friend). Tell him/her what you'd like him to do if you're falling behind when he/she checks up. Make sure you select specific dates and note them so that your memory will be jogged at appropriate intervals (e.g., mark them on your calendar or daily planner).

5. If It's A Big Goal, Break It Down Into Smaller Parts
For example losing 24 pounds this year could be a task that you let slip until December 1. But you'd be better off -- and more likely to accomplish your ultimate goal -- if you lose 2 pounds each month throughout the year.

6. Reward Yourself For Achieving Your Goal
Pick a reward that will motivate you and give it to yourself once you've achieved your goal. This may seem silly, but it works. Have rewards for your intermediate accomplishments, too.

7. Make Your Goal A "Group" Activity
It's often easier to do something (exercise is a prime example) if you have it scheduled with a friend or an "exercise buddy." This works because often at those times when "you're just not quite feeling up to it," you'll still go ahead and exercise because of your commitment to your friend. Examine your goal and think carefully to see how you can bring in a "buddy" (friend, colleague or family member) to keep you moving in the right direction.

8. Pick Yourself Up and Get Back On Track -- Consistently
Just because you fall down once or somehow get off track, don't give up on your goal. Be willing to regroup and get started again. Don't concede defeat easily.

© Copyright 1998 Bill Roche. All rights reserved. Distribution Rights: The above material is copyright, but you may retransmit or distribute it to whomever you wish as long as you do not charge a fee and not a single word is changed, added or deleted, including the contact information. However, you may not copy it to a web site.