Working on achieving a goal can be a drag. It feels like an obligation sometimes, especially when there are enticing alternatives to how you spend your time and effort.

Suppose your goal is to lose 20 pounds. You start your diet and you diligently put in your time at the gym. Then there’s a birthday party in your family. A nice, big dinner. Ice cream and cake.

Being true to your goal means taking it easy on the festivities – even passing up dessert all together. Resentment can begin to set in. Other people get to indulge. Why don’t you?

Or suppose you have decided to start an online business. You know there is money to be made there. But it’s hard work. You need to learn about marketing, setting up a website, getting traffic and so much more. Continue reading →

It’s frequently said that you are the average of the five people that you spend the most time with. So, in other words, if you spend your time with blamers and complainers, or with couch potatoes and TV addicts, you’ll end up blaming, complaining, sitting on the couch, and watching TV.

But, on the other hand, if you spend your time with achievers, goal-setters, readers, and successful people, you’ll take on those characteristics, too. You’ll set goals and achieve them, you will read, learn and become accomplished, and you will be a successful person, just like your friends do.

Suppose your goal is to go back to school to get your graduate degree while you are still working at your job. A friend who supports that goal will invite you to come over on Sunday afternoon to study while she reads. You get to spend time together without deviating from your plan to achieve your goal. Continue reading →