Imagine that you just won the lottery!  Excited, you’re going to quit your job and take that cross country trip you've always been dreaming of.  Picture, hitting the open road, the top down, wind blowing in your hair, the smell of city smog, and the scent of perfumed pastures.   But, sense of adventure, discovery and thrill quickly fade to being overwhelmed by the thought of everything needing to be done before and during the trip.  Setting short term goals can help you stay focused and not only make the trip a reality but also more enjoyable.

The same is true in life.  You have just won the lottery and the winning ticket is your DECISION to change.  But, for what purpose?  Don't confuse your goal with your purpose.  Your purpose is the reason and gives meaning to your goals. The purpose is constant and never changes.  Your goals on the other hand are a living, breathing ever changing entity to support and revolve around the purpose.  Goals are not a thing to be, a place to go or a final destination.

When thinking of your goals keep in mind that your goal needs to be stated in the positive, for a clear definite purpose that's realistic, within your control and lifestyle.  Having a clearly defined goal can capture the imagination and inspire the passion.  Wanting to lose weight is not a goal, stated like this it’s a hope, wish or dream.  I will exercise Mon., Wed., and Fri., mornings at the gym on various equipment to maintain a healthy lifestyle – is.  Goals need to be broken down into measurable and manageable steps.

3 Steps to Goal Setting:

• Set your first Goal - this can get you started and prove you can do it.

Think of a short term goal that will bring you a step closer to fulfilling your purpose.  It may be laying off the Ho-Ho's or the mid night snacks.  Watching your portions or starting to move more are also great short term goals. 

• Think about your next goal - achieving that first goal gives you the confidence, self esteem and empowerment to take that second step.  Focus on that next step then the next and the one after that and to coin a phrase "soon you'll be walking out the door"

• Celebrate each Success - Reward yourself with a new CD, a car wash, hair cut or some you time.  But also take a look back and see what's working, what's not and what you need to work on.  Reflect and learn from your past experience.