Example: Following on from goal example above:

The goal can be broken further broken down to make it more attainable to seem less daunting.

I have lost 1lbs every week till I achieve my goal of losing 20lbs.

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Goals must be Realistic Devise a plan or a way of getting there which makes goal realistic. The goal needs to be realistic for you and where you are at moment. A goal of never again eating sweets, cakes, crisps and chocolate may not be realistic for someone who really enjoys these foods.

For instance, it may be more realistic to set a goal of eating a piece of fruit each day instead of one sweet item. You can then choose to work towards reducing amount of sweet products gradually as and when this feels realistic for you.

Example: Following on from example above:

By drinking 0.5 litres of water every 4 hours to help stave off hunger. By eating a portion of fruit each day instead of an item of sweet.

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Goals must be Timeframe Each goals need to have a clear timeframe of when you want to achieve goal by. By next week, your next birthday, Christmas, by next month etc.

Example: Following on from example above:

I have lost 20lbs of weight by my next birthday.

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Goals must be Celebrated

It is always a good idea to celebrate any small successes that you achieve on your journey to achieving your bigger goal by rewarding yourself with something special. This helps keep you motivated and gives you something to look for ward to. It also helps you keep track of your progress. But make sure it is a reasonable

Example: Following on from example above:

If you are losing weight and normally have takeaway every day, you could celebrate your weekly achievement by rewarding yourself with a take away on a Sunday or by buying yourself a new dress or something that makes you feel good.

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You choose your relationship – either type of person you can settle down with or in a few months, use to repeat a cycle of behaviour.

All it takes to change things in your life is one thing. That thing is not a big thing. In fact it is very subtle.

It sits behind every word you speak and every action you take. It flickers like magnetic beacon attracting and repelling people, situations, possibilities, hopes and dreams. And in order to change you life you must change it.

It is your thoughts.

That is magic – your thoughts.

What you’ve created for yourself - with your hamster wheel! - is almost like a caged existence. And you will keep yourself penned in until you decide to change your thoughts.

My advice to you is to first acknowledge situation you are in now. Look at what you gain from being where you are in life. Then think about what you would like and match your dreams with thoughts. This is process I had to go through when changing from being overweight and without a penny to becoming a published author.

“Life has put me in this pen to help me change my thoughts?” Extract from Black Water, by Neil Millar.

Read the New York Times Review of Neil Millar’s novel, Black Water and join his fast growing readership of newsletter subscribers for people who want to live a life full of rewards.