Tips for Goal Setting

Goals should be...

• Realistic: Start off with a goal that isn't too ambitious, so you can sooner experience the thrills of success. Build toward grander goals to keep your motivation high.
• Specific: Make sure it can be measured and tracked.
• Forgiving: It could be a two step forward, one step back kind of journey. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect.
• Crystal Clear: Find a photo depicting or symbolizing what you want. The clearer the point of the whole thing is, the easier it is to stay focused.
• Valuable: Remind yourself why you want to succeed in the first place, the reasoning beyond the scale.
• Challenging: What do you wish for? This is the goal that will hold your attention the most. There's no reason our wishes can't become our goals.
• Rewarded: Every little bit of positive reinforcement helps.
• Backed Up: Prepare for the unknown with contingency plans before problems come up. Have options waiting that will help you stay consistent in the face of the unexpected.

Courtesy: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=103

Eight Rules for New Year’s Resolutions

Rule 1 – Commit to Your Resolution
Rule 2 – Be Realistic
Rule 3 – Write It Down
Rule 4 – Make a Plan
Rule 5 – Be Flexible
Rule 6 – Use a System of Reminders
Rule 7 – Track Your Progress
Rule 8 – Reward Yourself

Courtesy: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_89.htm