CONNECT WITH 3 PEERS Collaborate and commiserate with others working on a similar goal. Set up regular systems to check in with each other (notice I didn’t say check “on”—that’s why you have a sponsor). These people are your support system. Use meetings, workouts, instant messaging, phone calls, etc…to talk about how you are feeling, get some cheerleading, share wisdom, and have some fun.

CELEBRATE SOME QUICK WINS Set up some short term, achievable milestones early on. We all need to see progress quickly or we start to lose focus. Wins build momentum and energize us. Break your larger goal down into simple, short, achievable milestones so you can see progress within days, not weeks or months. Then celebrate your victories! Make it rewarding, but not in conflict with your goal. For example, if you are taking care of your body and trying to lose weight, don’t reward yourself with a big cake that immediately (at least in your mind) undoes accomplishment. Instead pamper yourself with a pedicure or a quiet hour in a favorite spot.

Taking time to put right systems in place will pay off in end. Don’t go it alone. Succeeding is not just about working harder and being committed. Being committed means you are willing to do what is necessary to ensure your success. If you’re ready to make change stick, start with 3-2-1 action strategies that follow.

3-2-1 ACTION!

So, you know what you want to achieve and now you know what you have to do to succeed. So, let’s get busy….

Write down names of 3 people who would support you in achieving your personal vision. Ask them to work with you starting today.

Set up 2 milestones for this week and make a note on how you will celebrate if you achieve them. Perhaps one milestone is writing your vision down and posting it. Maybe other is getting at least 2 time and energy drains off your schedule.

Find 1 person to be your Sponsor. Be sure to discuss with them best way they can support you in achieving your personal vision.

************************************************************************************************************** ARE YOU READY TO SUCCEED ON YOUR OWN TERMS? For more information on Coaching and Development programs through SUCCEED Coaching and Development, contact Shawn Driscoll at 248 321-8390 or email Shawn@succeedcoaching.com

Visit us on web at www.SucceedCoaching.com. Submit your questions to ASK THE COACH and receive a personalized response within 1 business day. Download a FREE Personal Assessment. Schedule your FREE 40 Minute Coaching Session today by contacting Shawn.

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This article is provided courtesy of Shawn Driscoll, Career and Business Coach. If you are ready to succeed, on your own terms, contact shawn@succeedcoaching.com or visit www.succeedcoaching.com.

Every time someone says how bad things are, I’m tempted to ask, “Well, how are YOU doing in midst of such?” Indeed, world conditions could certainly be a lot better. However, students of history know that they have certainly been a lot worse. Additionally, a person that knows much about Civil War era knows horrible condition of our country during that period.

So, all things considered, when we drive fine automobiles, eat well, live in nice homes and wear best of clothes; it seems somewhat incongruous to talk of how bad things are.

Secondly, to avoid curmudgeons, refuse to engage in self-pity. The P.L.O.M. (poor little old me) disposition is a sure sign that one needs an attitudinal checkup. At onset, treatment might involve visiting a children’s hospital, a burn ward or a cancer facility.

Too often we don’t take time to truly count our blessings; and become somewhat like little old lady (curmudgeon) who said she always felt bad, even on days when she felt good, for fear she would feel worse tomorrow. Being thankful for today is strong vaccine when it comes to treating self-pity and hardening of attitudes that is evident in curmudgeons.

BARBER-OSOPHY: Today’s curmudgeons are negative, pessimistic, self-pitying cynics of yesterday.

Copyright 2004, Sumerlin Enterprises.

Permission is granted for you to copy this article for distribution as long as above copyright and contact information is included. Please reference or include a link to www.barber-osophy.com.