To have a slim and trim body? Find a stimulating job Take up a sport or hobby Buy your dream home Travel to an exotic destination Have more time with your family Establish your own business Double your income Become involved in community Develop your creativity Improve your skills Create a plan for your financial future Have more fun. Enhance your current relationship or find a new partner. All of above To help you channel your energy into achieving this year's goals, here are some practical ways to get you started. After all, there is no reason why you shouldn't start immediately, is there?

Goalsetting - Getting Started

Write a list of what you want to achieve this year.

Make sure what you've written down is specific, measurable and attainable. Eg. Lose 5 kgs by 30th April.

Write no. 1 against most important goal. Write no. 2 against next most important goal.

Continue numbering rest of goals.

Look at goal with no. 1 next to it. ie. Lose 5 kilos. Start a separate list with heading Lose 5 kilos by 30th April.

Write down action steps you need to take to achieve this goal:

Join gym Decide which specific days and times you will attend Purchase gym gear See nutritionist

Enter action steps into your diary/electronic organiser on day/s you will do these:

Jan 15th - join gym Jan 16th - book nutritionist Attend gym Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 6.00 a.m. Ensure when you book time for yourself in your diary you treat it as a top priority. Unless there is an earthquake or equally devastating disaster occurring, keep that time sacred.

To ensure your goalsetting is successful, it is imperative to write your goals first and then plan appropriate steps to take in your diary. Otherwise your goals could end up being wishful thinking!

January is always a good time to grab bargains so when I noticed that two well-known blind companies were advertising 35% off their blinds, I decided to give them a call… and it was an interesting experience.

Company A

This person turned up on time which in itself is a big bonus. She was dressed in a professional way and was very efficient in her manner. I knew what I wanted and all Mary had to do was measure up and provide quote. She was extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. I said to Mary to call me in a couple of days as I had also arranged for another company to quote. 'No problem', she said. "I'll ring you then".

Company B

This sales rep. was totally different. He turns up 15 minutes early which is very unusual. I don't mind people arriving a few minutes earlier than agreed time, but 15 minutes is a bit too early. He should have rung first to see if it was okay. John was obviously a smoker because smell wafted through my front door before he walked in. That really puts me off. Not only that he was unshaven and dressed in a sloppy manner. John looked like he just got out of bed, got dressed, had a smoke and turned up at my house.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to judge him, however his image gave me perception that company must be very unprofessional to have people like this representing them.