Now that the year is coming to a close, it's time to look back at the objectives we set for ourselves in 2007.
To be more successful in achieving our goals, we have to look critically at where we succeeded, as well as where we may have fallen short - and why.
How can we insure that our personal and professional objectives for 2008 are not only more realistic than they were in 2007, but also bigger and more in line with our personal values and beliefs? More importantly, how can we improve our own personal success rate when it comes to transforming our resolutions to make significant private or professional changes into concrete results in 2008? To support you as you assess your progress in 2007 and prepare for your 2008 goal setting, here are ten important things you should consider:

1. Limit the overall number of resolutions you make! Having a long list of resolutions does not mean you are more serious about manifesting change in your personal or professional life.
   It simply puts more stress on you, and unnecessarily distracts energy from the things you really want (or need) to accomplish.
   
2. Be honest with yourself about why you really want to achieve each specific goal.
   Make sure the issues you choose to focus on truly reflect your values and beliefs in life, as well as the purpose you would like to fulfill.
   
3. Be aware of whether you are addressing the real issues in your life with your goals, and no simply doctoring a symptom for something much larger that you are reluctant to confront.
   
4. Make sure all your goals are S.
   M.
   A.
   R.
   T.
   In other words, all your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Based.
   
5. Divide your goal(s) into tangible steps and concrete phases.
   This will give you significant short- and mid-term milestones - and plenty of motivation all along the way.
   
6. Decide beforehand how YOU define success for each step/phase/overall goal.
   Remember that you are doing what you are doing for yourself, so do not measure your progress using someone else's measuring stick.
   
7. Based on the type of person you are, decide what tools and strategies will be most effective in helping you stay on course to reach your goals
8. Recruit personal or professional "cheerleaders" who will constructively encourage and motivate you along the way.
   
9. Do not be afraid to "fall off the wagon" from time to time during the coming twelve months - just do not forget to get back on it again!
10. Things will happen during the year that you can't foresee right now, so do not hesitate to adjust/revise your goals accordingly.
    

"...
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing...
" ~ Abraham Lincoln ~