A New Year -- New Goals?

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Okay, you're thinking, what do two sexy Brits have to do with setting goals? A girl can dream, can't she? Just kidding! I've posted these handsome hunks to pique your interest about my new Intrigue series. But more on that later. (Stop drooling...come on, stop it!)

I'm starting off this year's blogging adventure with some free advice (you know what they say about free advice ) on setting goals.

Let’s start with BE REALISTIC.

There’s a difference between aiming high and shooting yourself in the foot. You know what I mean. We’re told on one hand to reach for the stars, yet on the other hand, if you make your goal too unattainable (I probably shouldn’t count on giving my Oscar acceptance speech this year ;-) you paralyze yourself before you take that first step.

What do you want? No, what do you really want? To play more? Weigh less? Have more fun? Yeah, I like that one!

A few tips when setting goals:
1. Focus on a small goal. What can you do today? Just one thing? Eat half the piece of chocolate cake instead of the whole piece? (A sadist, I know.) But eating half the piece will make a difference over time. (May I suggest saving the other half for breakfast?)

2. Try not to get distracted (the cat's stuck in the Christmas tree, the dogs got into the granola bar drawer, the UPS driver dropped off a late Christmas gift, Edward Norton is on The View...ah...). Make a list of smaller goals for the day and check them off to give yourself a sense of accomplishment.

3. Always reward yourself and learn from your experience. (Chocolate is the perfect reward and don’t let anyone tell you different!) If you don’t make a goal, don't beat yourself up about it. Just keep plugging away. Tomorrow is a fresh start!

Anyone want to set goals for January? Come on, I dare ya'.
I'm thrilled to announce that one of last year' goals is now in print. The first in my Blackwell Group series, The American Temp and the British Inspector, was released January 9th. Ah, those sexy, British heroes. ::: sigh ::: Hence the fab photos at the top of my post. Who are some of your favorites?

Cheers!

Pat White
www.patwhitebooks.com