After my last article and my mention of goal setting I started to think about my own goals for the quickly approaching 2007 New Year. I have some goals I revise and reuse every year. Writing down my goals clarifies what I want to accomplish, as stated by author Arnold Patent, “What you focus on expands”. I apply this belief to every area of my life and it always rings true. When you focus on positive, forward thinking thoughts you don’t have time to dwell on past mistakes, negative thoughts or outside distractions. It keeps you thinking, even subconsciously, on how to achieve your objectives.

Every January countless Americans make resolutions regarding changes they want to make in and for themselves. Most people never do anything to see these resolutions become reality. The pivotal mistake is not writing down the goals. As Gene Donohue, founder of TopAchievement.com says, “The difference between a dream and a goal is the written word”. Write down your goals, short-term and long-term. Be specific and write down dates, specific outcomes and how you plan on achieving your goals. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable. You probably won’t achieve your dream to become a Major League Baseball player if you have never picked up a bat and you’re 50 years old.

Goals you set for yourself don’t have to be monetary or professional-status related. They can be to improve a skill or characteristic by taking a class or seminar, or to read several monthly industry magazines. Think about quitting something… smoking, interrupting while people are talking, not keeping eye contact in a conversation, or being late to meetings. You might want to organize your work space, files, or a database. Maybe you can work to increase revenues, marketing strategies or even leisure time. How about offering pro bono work or some kind of community service to help others as a goal for this year?

Whatever your goals are, it is important that you review them often – preferably daily. Say the goals out loud or write them repeatedly to secure them in your mind. Another good habit is to review them in your mind before you go to bed and again in the morning to start your day with right thoughts. Practice stopping the negative talk in your head - it will defeat you if you let it. This takes a while to accomplish but every time you change your negative thoughts to positive ones you are making a difference. The more often you catch yourself and change your thoughts the easier it becomes.

Wanting badly to accomplish your goals is also important for them to be achieved. Keep the desire fresh by focusing on the final outcomes of your goals. Imagine what it will feel like and the difference it will make in you life after your goals are achieved. Hold on to those feelings and visit them often to keep you motivated while working toward your goals.

Finally, learn to believe your goals as the truth. Then watch what happens. One year from now, how many goals were accomplished? I bet you’ll be surprised and delighted. When it happens – reward yourself! Even if it is just a pat on the back or a star sticker next to your written list of goals, you deserve it. Realize you can accomplish anything through setting goals, a strong desire to achieve them and proper, positive thought patterns.

Happy New Year!!