How Are Your Goals Coming Along?

Tomorrow is April 1, the holiday of fools and jokers, a holiday that I choose not to participate in. April 1 is also the start of the Second Quarter of the year, how did the First Quarter treat you? Did your preset goals keep you on track through uncertain times? Or did you cast them aside and fail to follow through?

If you did indeed falter, you are not alone. Here are some tips for getting back in the saddle and forging ahead. First, find your list - Um, I am assuming that you have a list, you did write them down, right? Well, if you didn't, do it now. Most experts agree on this one, writing them down is the most important step. Write your goals on 3x5 note cards to enable you to take them along with you to review from time to time like during your breaks or down time.

You have permission to dream. Some have forgotten how or have given up on dreaming. As we are battered endlessly about how bad it is, dreams just don't seem so important anymore. Don't buy into that line of thought - DREAM! Let yourself think big, imagine success, imagine prosperity and understand that change, if necessary, is up to you. If you have to, ad "Dream" to you list of goals and follow through on it.

Turn off the TV. That one might be difficult for some of you, I understand, but it is extremely important. Reconnect with your family, read, talk to your spouse or partner or friend, go for a walk or exercise. Acquire additional skills or education to improve your abilities, write a blog, watch an athletic event or participate in one. The point is, any of these ideas will get you away from the tube, the "Boob Tube," they call it that for a reason.

Limit your participation in Social Media. Another tough one, sorry. If you Twitter, use facebook, ning, or whatever, assign one to a specific day and spend 15 minutes on it. Carrie Wilkerson of The Barefoot Executive uses Twitter for "communication, credibility, connections, content creation, and cash and compensation." The same could be said for facebook and the others. The point is, do not allow any of them to waste your day or your opportunities. You can do it!

Above all, think positively. I'll not sugar coat this, I know these are tough times but if you dwell on the darkness, you will be consumed by it. Take each day as it comes and focus on your goals and beliefs. Find a Mentor and watch what he or she does to create success and stay positive. Read those note cards, read positive personal development materials or listen to positive CD's in your vehicle. If you are Spiritual, refocus you time to get closer to your belief and if you're not, maybe take another look.

Dream and dream big. A little refocus today will make for a big change tomorrow.