This is the season when we sit down to write our New Year’s resolutions as is the time-honored custom. Each year, do you resolve to lose weight, stop smoking, or change careers, but stop as soon as you begin? In 2002, you can change all that, and start to make your life and career goals really happen!

The first step: Be sure it is a goal you really want! Oftentimes we pay lip service to others’ desires for us, when we have different ideas in mind altogether. Only you know which goals are important to you, so choose them wisely.

The second step: Write down your goals, and add a tentative date that you’d like to have them accomplished. Having your goals in front of you in black and white makes them more concrete and powerful.

The third step: Take at least one action on your goals each day! As they say, a long journey begins with but a single step. If you break your objectives down into easy-to-handle pieces, a large goal can become manageable.

The fourth step: Don’t quit! The first days and weeks of going for your goal will be the hardest, so be aware when obstacles pop up to discourage you. Ride through that period of challenge, and your path should become easier.

Persistence is the key to accomplishing anything worthwhile. You can always quit—so why not stick with it, and see what happens. You may be very pleasantly surprised!

Special note: If you find that you continually run into challenges when you attempt to achieve your goals, you might want to consider hiring a coach such as myself to keep you on track. Coaches are excellent for giving you the impetus to continue the achievement process, especially when you find it difficult to do on your own.

© Kathy Sanborn
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved
Life and Career Coaching
Grow Your Own Love

Close Window To Return To Sanborn Article Archive