The New Year is here and many of us are planning to make the most of 2018! Here are some tips for moving forward!
 
- Think positively. Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve. But you must be persistent, optimistic and patient. Also, restructure negative thoughts by restating them positively.
 
- State realistic goals in concrete terms. Ensure your goal is consistent with your purpose. Intend to achieve these.  "I intend to lose 10 pounds by June 1, 2018." I'm enrolling in a computer programming class offered by Institution X, January 22, 2018.
 
- Ensure your goal will benefit both yourself and others. Write your goal and reasons for wanting it in your daily planner. Consider creating a collage depicting your goal.
 
- Continually state and visualize your goal. "I am confident, helpful, energetic...." Arise in the morning seeing, smelling, experiencing your goal. Every hour and before falling asleep at night repeat the process.
 
- Identify and minimize perceived barriers. Specify obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your goal. If the worst happened what could you do? What information do you need to pursue this goal? Where could you go for this? From whom could you get support? What can you do to make this less risky? Less irreversible? Less overwhelming?
 
List people, organizations, resources, character traits, education, personal strengths, and tools you have at your disposal for attaining the goal. Use these to move forward.
 
- Set a schedule for completing your goal. Be flexible so that you can incorporate new ideas. Use a daily organizer to plan activities. Break the goal into small steps.  Every day, do at least one activity related to achieving your goal.
 
- Continually focus on your desired outcome. See, hear, smell, and touch aspects of the goal. Act as if you have achieved your goal.
 
Alternatively, create a picture depicting your goal. For example, paste pictures from publications illustrating your desired goal. Indicate the image you want to project, people you want to be with, and other things that represent your desired lifestyle. Every day, remind yourself you are this happy, successful person.

- Remove all negative mental obstacles such as hate, worry, anger, jealousy.  Avoid phrases such as, "I can't." Don't criticize or blame others. View setbacks as learning experiences, detours as you move toward your goal.
 
- Break the worry habit. Picture worries flowing out of your mind like a pitcher of water. Before falling asleep visualize yourself accomplishing your goals for the next day.
 
- Keep mind, body and spirit in top working order. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and nourish your soul. Reward yourself for accomplishing desired tasks.
 
- Review your goal periodically. Feel free to modify it as you learn more about yourself and options.
 
Achieving desired goals will give you feelings of accomplishment and confidence. You'll gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and greater control over your personal and professional life.
 
Other goal attainment strategies are described in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.