Of course I am partial to Ordinary People Can Win. And I hope you are benefiting for subscribing to and reading it.

Discussion Groups or Forums You can link up with like-minded people who are working to nail their goals, just like you. In discussion groups, participants “chat” with each other, propping each other up, and providing encouragement. To join discussion you send an email with your comments to an email address that forwards it to all members of group.

From these groups, you can often get ideas for moving past roadblocks to your progress. But pick them carefully—some discussion groups can fill your inbox with dozens of emails filled with nothing but idle chatter.

Another discussion option is forum. When you join these groups, you go to a website that hosts discussion. You see comments of others on webpage, and can add your thoughts as well.

The advantage of forum over discussion group is that you can choose whether to participate or not. You take active step of going to website, rather than receiving dozens of emails. Of course, most discussion groups give you option to receive a daily digest—one email that has all of responses for entire day.

In spite of potential for discussions on useless froth, discussion groups and forums can provide you with help in keeping yourself on track.

Audio Programs Many personal development authors are also very accomplished speakers. Their programs are captured on cassette or CD for you to enjoy at your convenience. Listening to audio programs during your work commute provides a wonderful respite from talk radio and news. They fill that windshield time with uplifting ideas. As with books, websites, and other resources, listen to a variety of them, rather than finding one personality you like and sticking with him or her.

Live Seminars Most of audio programs discussed above are recordings of live seminars. Occasionally, you would do well to attend one of these events. These speakers transfer their highly-charged energy to audience—providing them with insight and motivation.

This alternative can be quite expensive, so brace yourself. I have provided some of best at end.

Tele-seminars Many personal development specialists, authors, website and e-zine owners provide tele-seminars at little or no cost. You register for seminar, receive phone number and access code, and join with hundreds of others in hearing speakers or panels discuss pertinent topics.

If you get chance, join some of these. The speakers often open lines for questions at end of their presentations. They usually make their money by pointing you to their websites where they are featuring a special offer for those who participated.

4. Develop dated milestones. For instance, if you, like me plan to lose a pound a week, you can easily set dated milestones. Set Monday as your official weigh-in day, and record your progress. This also works for income goals, and many other types.

5. List “WHY” you want to accomplish each goal. I have a great deal of heart disease in my family history. I need to control what I can to minimize my exposure to heart ailments. Maybe you want to please your partner—or find one.

6. List who benefits from your accomplishment. Also list why you want to please them. Who is counting on you? Sometimes, this is a greater motivator than your own desires.

7. Have a partner or partners with whom you will share your progress. Every Monday, after weighing in, report to someone what weight you hoped you would have reached, and what you actually weighed. This is important Be truthful..

8. Visualize accomplishment of your goal with all of your senses. a. Sight – visualize yourself at your goal weight b. Taste – victory c. Feel – excitement at having accomplished something so big d. Hear – complements you receive for looking so good e. Smell – smell rice cakes you will never have to eat again

9. Read my e-zine weekly For inspiration, instruction, and motivation read Ordinary People Can Win!

10. Review your progress often. If you are off your milestone goal, decide if your plan needs revising. Make changes to your plan, as needed. If you were driving to work and saw that your usual route was close for construction, you wouldn't quit and go home--you'd find another way." If you are on track, give yourself pre-determined reward.

11. Include your resolutions in your prayers. I believe in praying. Ask for help—you’ll get it if you do your part, and if you ask. I know that you can have strength and abilities beyond your nature through sincere prayer.

You can make this year different. Why not try something new? If you keep doing same thing, you’ll keep getting same result. You may feel great motivation and confidence when you originally set your goal, but it’s very difficult to stay committed. With these tools, you can change that!