Like almost everyone in country, I sat glued to television during beginning of war. I was awe-struck at technology that enabled us to see live 'in moment' action pictures of tanks moving across desert. I marvelled at precision with which targets were struck with intent of minimizing collateral damage, protecting civilian population. It was a new experience to get first hand accounts from soldiers themselves - thoughts and feelings of young men defending their country with valor and and inherent morality of a free society.

At same time, my heart grew heavy as casualties began to mount. Worry at thought of potential results of a chemical or biological attack on troops or civilians began to invade my thoughts. The reports of women and children being brought among Iraqi troops as human shields brought anger at cruel regime. And it gradually dawned on me that this war - many thousands of miles away in a country far removed from my own was definitely impacting on my personal daily life.

I found that I was more dissatisfied, less relaxed and happy, more likely to find fault and to procrastinate ( some of my personal challenges). I was feeling less and less optimistic and hopeful.

In that very short period of time, my feelings of sorrow, worry, anger resulting from my view of war had already changed my reality!

The desire to meet a challenge and succeed has been a part of many cultures throughout history. The ancient Peruvians used to draw out their goals in symbols and paint them in primitive colors on walls of caves. The Egyptians used to create elaborate rituals to move from one state of desire to actualization. They believed that writing out a dream in advance would assure a positive outcome. Likewise, we moderns have an innate need to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. You need to have a vision, as it is first step towards having life you want. Your purpose provides intention and direction for who and what you want to be and do. To live out your life vision and purpose, set goals, and then focus on results. If you are not getting results you intended, find reason and adjust your strategy. To reach your goals, you must take a proactive, committed approach to making it happen. What follows are nine ways to maintain your focus and increase your energy and optimism while pursuing your goals.

1.Know What You Want When you are clear about what you want, you build excitement. When you are excited, more effort is put forth, and your enthusiasm helps to overcome obstacles.

2.Write Your Goals Down When you write about what you want, it becomes indelibly written not only on paper, but also upon your consciousness.

3.Visualize What You Want “See” in your mind’s eye your goal already achieved. What does it look like, feel like? The more real your image, more powerful it will be, operating much like a magnet drawing forth more of what you want to you.