We all have goals and dreams that we want to accomplishsome big, some small. But until we can organize a plan on how to pursue these goals and dreams, we may never reach our final destination or possibly even start. Goals can help us to feel more confident and fulfilled. They can give us direction and help us to make decisions. Goal setting can help us to feel more organized.

Here are some simple steps to assist you in beginning your journey towards your goals.

1. Brainstorm - With pen and paper decide what goals you wish to pursue. Write everything down. Your list can be as long as you wish. Your goals can be as big or small as you wish. They can include areas of your life such as family, health, career, spiritual, education, travel, etc.

2. Prioritize - Choose a few goals you want to begin with. Which ones are more important or urgent to you? List those on a separate sheet.

3. Get Specific - Once you have decided which goals you are going to work toward, write them down on a new sheet of paper and begin adding the details of the goal. Be very specific. Only use words and description that are positive and describe what you DO want to accomplish. List each step that you need to take toward that goal.

4. Visualize Your Goals - Picture them often in detail in your mind. You can also post pictures from magazines or photos to help you see your dream.

5. Watch Your Progress - Read over your goal list regularly. It will help to remind you of your progress and keep you on track. You can also hang your list up where it is always visible, like at your bedside. If you notice that you havent made any progress, try adjusting what steps you need to take.

6. Work Through The Bumps - Your journey toward a goal may not always run according to your plan. You may have setbacks. Learn from them. They may be good lessons to help you in the future. Some of the best experiences come from the actual journey toward your goal, than the goal itself.

7. Mission Accomplished. Next! - Once you have completed a goal, begin to work on the next and so on. Goals setting should be a constant action. Make it a life-long habit.

Tips for Encouragement

1. Use your emotions to help you to continue to move towards your goal.

2. Every step you take, no matter how big or small, gets you closer to your goal and your success.

3. Your only failure will be if you give up and quit. Dont be afraid of setbacks or mistakesthey will bring you closer to success.

4. We can be our own worst enemiesbe compassionate toward yourself.

Congratulations!

Angela Agranoff

Angela is a wife, mother, artist and professional organizer. She assists students, artists, and families in organizing their spaces and time. She works with adults, teens, and children. Angela's artistic nature adds to her creative problem solving approach which lends itself to satisfying finished projects. She offers consultations and hands on project coaching. She also currently has artwork displayed in group shows in Colorado.

She a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers(NAPO), Colorado Professional Organizers(CoPO), and Lakewood Arts Council. Go to akadesigns.com for more information.