Here it is, the first few weeks of 2008, and, as usual, I'm thinking of what I want to achieve this year. Yes, I mean GOALS. That's kind of like a dirty word for some people, because they've never had much luck with achieving goals. I'm going to share with you some things I've learned about goal-setting that could greatly increase your chances of success. But first, I want to tell you about a story I recently came across that exemplified the kind of determination and commitment that I think you need in order to achieve your goals. The story is "The Pickle Jar," and the author was listed as "Unknown."

This is the story of a boy whose father kept a pickle jar on the floor next to the dresser in the bedroom. Every night, the boy's father would empty all his pocket change into the pickle jar, and he would frequently tell the boy that this money was going to pay for his college education. When the pickle jar was full, they would go to the bank together, deposit the money, and start filling the jar again. Sure enough, that's exactly how the boy's college education was funded--with pickle jar money! Can you imagine how much commitment that took? Every day, putting change in the pickle jar, even when money was very tight. Think about the values that were communicated to that boy by his father.

• The power of a dream
• Commitment
• Persistence
• Love
• Hope

What is something you'd really like to accomplish this year? Something you're willing to make a solid commitment to. Now, let's make it a SMART goal.

S -- Make it Specific. It just won't do to say, "I want to be happier." What specific thing would have to happen for you to be happier? (Ex. "I want to go to Hawaii.")

M -- Make it measurable. (Ex. "I want to spend 10 days on Maui at _______Beach at the ___________Hotel.")

A -- Make it action-oriented. (Ex. "I will save $______ each month for ______months.")

R -- Make your goal realistic. Is this goal truly achievable?

T -- Set a time by when you will achieve this goal. (Ex. October 25, 2008)

You can set as many goals as you want; just make sure all your goals are SMART.