Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is more powerful than knowledge". Very true, as I believe human imagination is our greatest asset. Thoreau once wrote these beautiful words:

'If one advances confidently in direction of his dreams and endeavours to live life which he* has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected.' (Sorry ladies!) *

* Only joking - you can have dreams too and achieve them even better than us "mere males" (and please don't beat up " Mr un- PC" Thoreau for neglecting you).

'Be true to your ideals, no matter what may happen now. Then things will take a turn and very things you wanted to happen will happen.' - anon

That one has just inspired me as I write this.

* Summary:

Set realistic, yet achievable goals. Ones that stretch you... because we are all different, what is achievable for one person might not be so easy for another. Also, because we are all unique creations with different hopes, desires, aspirations and dreams, what goal is important to you may be totally inappropriate for another individual's life direction. I believe setting goals is vitally important in achieving what we want out of life ....and setting even small daily goals are a great help in a daily action plan to move your life forward. I find it very satisfying ticking off even small routine tasks, like paying bills (well that is a big goal for a "starving" writer!). These small immediate goals are stepping stones to our bigger goals " down track".

WRITE THEM DOWN, because putting them down on paper makes for more COMMITMENT. It focuses your thinking on what you want to achieve, like a magnifying-glass (that's called a simile, by way!). Doing this chrystallises (nice big word) our hopes, aspirations and dreams. They keep us on track towards our medium-term and long-term goals - "grand plan or vision" for our lives.This is most important... Re-evaluate your progress from time to time. Doing this keeps you on track to see how you are progressing towards "big picture". I find it extremely satisfying looking back and ticking off goals I have achieved. ( Of course , I don't achieve all of them, but am working hard on that.)

It can be very encouraging seeing how far you have come , when you look back at your first "teeny-weeny" goals and doing this is a great motivater to me. Goals are first step in a positive plan of action. And always remember, every great journey down "river of life" starts with one small first step.

YOU CAN ACHIEVE ALL YOUR PERSONAL GOALS.

So WHAT'S STOPPING YOU FROM TAKING THAT FIRST STEP RIGHT NOW?

Craig Lock

As ancient Chinese philosopher said so well, "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a ... broken fan belt and a flat tyre"... er sorry... a single step.

"A wish is just a wish, A New Years Resolution is just a resolution. Goals have deadlines and are stepping stones down path, stair-case to your dreams." - Craig Lock

About author: Craig Lock has studied and written extensively in field of self help. Craig believes in great potential of every human being in journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being. To order 'Handbook click on http://www.craiglock.com/books.html or email Craig at clock@paradise.net.nz

End of Part One

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

ARE YOU READY TO MEDITATE

This meditation should be done every morning, before eating, for ten minutes, gradually increasing time up to twenty minutes.

This meditation will tend to keep you awake longer so if you decide to do it in evening please do it before your evening meal.

Now that you have decided to meditate, choose a comfortable chair which allows you to sit upright,loosen or remove any tight clothing. If you are extra tense, you can shrug your shoulders, roll your neck and use your favorite body stretches.

1.Inhale a deep breath to count of four and slowly exhale to count of six. Repeat five times.

2.Assume normal breathing.

3.Close your eyelids and focus your eyes upwards to third eye. This is point between eyelashes directly above bridge of nose.

4.Let your chin rest on your chest, head relaxed downward.

5.Let your hands rest easily on your lap, palms turned upwards as a sign of receptivity.

6.Make sure your spine is upright and also have bottom of your feet rest on floor thereby keeping you grounded.

7.Your mantra is word "aum". Mentally repeat this word over and over without moving your lips or tongue.

As you are mentally repeating your mantra "aum - aum - aum", if other thoughts enter just gently push them aside.

By doing this MANTRA Meditation on a daily basis, you will feel inner peace, inner serenity. This inner serenity will glow to such an extent outwardly, your friends man even comment on it.

I cannot repeat this enough, "This meditation is very powerful".

Within thirty days, you yourself will surely notice a lot of little changes, all positive changes and just by doing this "MANTRA Meditation". You will surely notice its "miraculous healing powers awakening within you".

Rob Watson publishes waytosuccess.net dedicated to helping individuals develop successful life strategies, both personal and business Motivational articles are published daily containing a rich variety of topical subjects