The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s my favorite month … and not just because of my birthday (21st). Summer ends in September and all the kids head back to school; but I really like the ‘back to business’ feeling that comes with September. September represents a renewed focus that comes after a restful and relaxing summer. We’re ready to come back and come back with a vengeance!

Unlike January, this isn’t a time for setting new goals, for most people it’s making one last big push to achieving the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year. The day after my birthday, September 22, marks just 100 days left in the year. If there was a time to get down to business, this is it. Think of it this way. Do you want to ring in 2010 with the dame goals you set for yourself at the beginning of 2009?

Here are five tips too keep you focused.

Write it! Don’t leave your goals swimming around in your head. If you haven’t already, commit them to paper. When you write out your goals they seem more real and more tangible.

Plan It! Think of your goals and then think of what you’d have to do each month between now and the end of the year to make your goals a reality. But, be realistic. You will probably accomplish more in September than you will in December when the holiday season is in full swing.

Work It! Every day do something towards your goals. I’ve written entire screenplays by committing to writing just 30 minutes a day. Do something everyday that will move you closer to your goal.

See It! What does success look like. If your goal is weight loss, that’s easy. Success is a particular number. The same goes for sales, your goal would be a specific target. Whatever it is, see it in your head. Imagine what success would look like. Is it an A or a B in the class you are taking? Maybe it’s just registering for your class? It could be weekly date night with the hubs. Whatever it is, paint a picture of success in your mind. You can’t hit the target if you don’t know where it is!

Share It! This can be a tricky one. Do not share your goal with everybody. Make a list of people who will support you and share your goal with those people and those people only. It is hard enough to muster the determination and overcome the procrastination that will make your goal a reality without having to deal with the naysayers. Share your goal with people who will support you, encourage you and keep you on track.

Good luck and have fun!