Set, achieve your goals this summer

By JEFF HERRING
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Summer is an excellent time to set and achieve goals that can change your life.
I suggest picking one to three goals that when accomplished would make your life better by Labor Day.
Here are my three for this summer: Get to the beach each month; exercise a little each day; and build a Web site.
Whatever goals you choose, the first thing you should do is write them down. The weakest ink is always stronger than the best memory. With written goals, you are much more likely to remember them and thus do them. Looking at your written goals daily helps you focus your energy and organize your day around achieving your goals.
Moving forward
After writing down your goals, you should take at least one major step toward one of them before your head hits the pillow that night.
If you set your goals and then do nothing right away, your chances of achieving them is cut in half. Taking a major step -- joining a gym, booking a vacation, exercising -- creates momentum that propels you forward.
This momentum will help you take the next step, which is to do small things daily. You want to get into the habit of regularly -- daily is best -- working toward your goals. A little bit of effort every day has a powerful cumulative effect. Once you get into the habit of doing a little bit each day, you will miss it when you don't.
The next step is to take your goal and future it. You future a goal by doing two things. First, ask yourself: "When I accomplish this goal, what will I be able to do, have, feel that I can't or don't now?" Make sure the answers are compelling and exciting, and then lock them in the front of your mind.
Physical reminders
The second way to future a goal is to create a physical reminder of the future completed goal. If your goal is to save a certain amount of money, make out the deposit slip now, dated in the future. Carry around a picture of your vacation spot. Buy a pair of pants that you can get into when you get in better shape.
At summer's end, celebrate your accomplishments. You have worked hard for three months to get where you are.
It's been said there are two goals to aim for in life: To get what you want, and then to enjoy it. Only the wisest of folks achieve the second.
XJeff Herring is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Write to him c/o Tallahassee Democrat, P.O. Box 990, Tallahassee, Fla. 32302-0990 or e-mail him at jeffherring@greatspeaking.com.