MEASURABLE: We need to know we are getting someplace. All too often we feel as if we are stuck just because we haven't gotten where we wanted to go yet. We don't always see how far we have come, we just see long road ahead. By having our goal set up in such a way that we can see steps we can take, will help provide momentum needed to keep going.

WORKABLE: Each step along way is part of our plan to get there. The plan should be written out so we can see what we will need to do next. Plus, it gives us something to mark off along way. Like a shopping or to-do list, plan gives us a basic guide for what needs to be done. It's up to us how to work it.

FLEXIBLE: Our plans should provide room for changes along way. We have learned so much from Murphy's law that whatever can go wrong, will at some point. We need to be able to just go around problems we face. It may mean adjusting our goal a bit or re-working our plans. But as long as we have room to change, we won't get stuck.

I hope something in this article inspired you to begin looking at your own goals. Well, at least that was MY goal.

© 2002 David Stoddar

18. Look for OPPORTUNITIES in any decision. Each "mistake" is an opportunity to learn. I've launched into a writing "career" from a "mistake" (???) coming to other side of world. "Crazy wife!" A problem became a great opportunity to do something I'd never ever thought of doing (is it "winds of fate", "the unseen hand of God", perhaps guiding me in a conscious decision). If you are making mistakes, you are not learning and growing. So say to yourself, "it doesn't really matter", or "so what"... then "get into this world".

19. Accept total responsibility for your decisions. Responsibility is not BLAME - so don't blame others for putting yourself in this predicament. Sorry 'wif'! This attitude helps to relieve your anger or resentment and gives one peace of mind.

20. Change course if your strategy is not working - quality of your life is at stake. My mistake is that I persist on a chosen course for far too long at times, like writing! Learn when to correct your direction. "If you don't change direction, you'll end up where you're heading".

Bear in mind that pilots are off course on their flight-path 90% of time... but they still arrive at their destination. Usually! When driving you are also continually making little corrections; so there's hope for me yet.

21. Be prepared to take a few risks in life. Look out for opportunities. Every successful business or venture started out with an idea which was a risk. Nothing is infallible. The knowledge that you can handle anything that comes your way is your key to allowing yourself to take risks. Security is a state of mind. It's not having things, it's HANDLING things.

and finally, 22. Look ahead to future in a spirit of hope and optomism - past is already gone. See path ahead as an adventure into unknown and a time for challenge with many new opportunities. Every problem requiring a decision is an "opportunity in disguise".

It's a matter of making correct small daily decisions, which are our "stepping-stones" on road to success

I love following quotation...

"The past is history, future is a mystery, and this moment is gift, that is why this moment is called present." - Depak Chopra

May all your decisions guide you towards a prosperous and happy tomorrow May all your moments be full of joy and rich promise of future.