NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS - at this time of year many of us have set new goals and objectives for 2009. Some may be achieved, some will be forgotten (maybe already?) and die before many days pass in this new year. Making resolutions and setting goals and objectives is important. It has been said that a person without goals is like a ship without a rudder, and that person will drift with the winds and tide of life and wind up at a destination probably not of their choosing, while the person with a goal will sail straight to their destination of choice.

One of the basics I learned long long ago while studying management applies to goal setting. "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it".

I would urge you to take a hard look at the goals and objectives you have set for yourself, and make sure they pass the basic test - ARE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE? Is the goal specific? It is not enough to say "I'm going to increase my income" or "I'm going to lose weight". These are not specific enough. By how much will you increase your income? How much weight will you lose? How will you measure the result? How often will you measure?

Your goals should be BIG. Big enough the challenge you, and big enough to inspire you. But, having said that, here are two lessons this goal oriented person has had to learn the hard way:

1. Break that BIG goal down into a series of smaller goals which can be achieved in a reasonable length of time. Without a meaningful result in a reasonable period, you will find it hard to maintain the drive and focus needed to stay the course. Make sure you prioritize these sub-goals so that you work steadily towards the bigger goal.

2. Reward yourself every time you achieve one of the smaller goals. You need to recognize your accomplishment and reward yourself for your achievement in order to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm needed to work steadily towards the bigger end goal.

Remember "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". Be a Manager. Manage your life !

PS If one of your goals for 2009 is starting your own small business, check my website - www.smallbusinessyesyoucan.com - for some help.