- shopping in an unhurried atmosphere in quaint downtown section of Ocean Springs, Mississippi - only a few minutes' drive from exciting casino action of neighboring town of Biloxi

- reconnecting with friends and family and being able to enjoy reunions that I often missed due to living a long distance away

- dining at local restaurants that serve delicious seafood area is famous for

I could go on and on, but you get (mental) picture!

Carrying this one step further, I've gathered together some pictures, postcards, and other memorabilia that reflect overall atmosphere of area. These items hang on my wall in my office, right in front of me, so that I can have a constant reminder of exactly what it is that I am working toward.

I'm amazed at effectiveness of these simple techniques!

You can apply these same methods regardless of what your goals are. Even if what you're working for can't be quite so clearly defined in words and pictures, you can still benefit from these exercises.

During those few minutes each day that you set aside to form your mental "picture," imagine feelings that you will have when you have reached your own personal goals. Create an affirmation statement, using your computer and some attractive stationery to print it out. Frame this and place it in your own personal work area so that you will have a constant reminder of what exactly it is that you want to accomplish.

Focus, focus, focus....and your dreams WILL come true!

Sometimes you can do that...but more often than not, you can't.

Or you won't, because you don't want your supervisor to view you as a "slacker."

So you plug away, not able to give your all to your job simply because you're not able to refresh yourself on YOUR timetable.

No so when you work from home.

Make no mistake; I work very long hours - many more than I did at any of my traditional jobs. Sometimes I work as many as 14 hours a day. But when time comes to take a break, regardless of hour, I have freedom to do just that.

And that's when I head for back porch.