For years, researchers have been quoting statistics that approximately 80 percent of people fail at keeping their resolutions and most have already dropped off by mid-February. Yet that 20 percent is making it. What motivates those 20 percent to keep plugging away at their goals? We all set goals out of a desire to change something. To better ourselves. To achieve something. And the small business owner sets goals to provide financially for their employees and their families.

It is easier to set goals than to keep them. And the statistics show that we are most likely doomed to failure! No wonder goal setting can be such a sore topic.

The difference between goals abandoned and goals achieved is the motivation that underlies the goal and the development of a strategy to make it happen. Otherwise, expect failure.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to identify your motivating factors:

• Do I really want to make this change?
• What feeling do I associate with achieving this goal? Success? Relief? Excitement? Confidence?
• What are the results I want, the benefits I will enjoy?

Yes, goals usually involve some level of change and sustaining change in the long-run is difficult. When we connect a goal to an emotion – brain to heart – we become more open to sticking to that change. So part of goal setting must include a connection to your motivation and commitment to that change.

Next, follow up those questions with a plan of action:

• Am I prepared to make the commitment of time, energy, money, and focus to make this goal happen?
• What will it involve? Can I break it down into small steps?
• When will it be scheduled?

This step helps you create a plan of action to get moving in the right direction. The process of breaking it down supports us and keeps us from the feelings of overwhelm that so easily derail us.

Once a plan is in place, follow it diligently and you will be on the road to “goals achieved.” 

The post Goals Abandoned or Goals Achieved? appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

1. I let go of all resistance to writing goals down.
2. I now dissolve the habit of putting off difficult tasks.
3. I write my goals down and review them regularly.
4. I write down the action steps needed to reach my goals.
5. My written goals are helping me to achieve my life’s purpose.
6. I replace indefinite, vague dreams with specific, detailed goals, and action plans.
7. All resistance to taking the appropriate goal-achieving actions has vanished.
8. I let go of all pessimism and doubt that I will achieve my goals.
9. I visualize the achievement of my goals daily.
10. I recognize the barriers to achieving my goals and I move around them, over them, and through them.
11. I’m firmly on the path of achievement and success.
12. Everything is working out for me now.
13. I set and achieve challenging and worthwhile goals.
14. I easily reach my goals on time.
15. I accomplish everything I set out to do.
16. My goals fit perfectly with all areas of my life.
17. I enjoy the challenge of a meaningful, worthwhile goal.
18. I easily stay focused on my objectives despite interruptions and distractions.
19. I plan my work and I work my plan.
20. Each of my goals is assigned a date that I expect to achieve.
21. I have the power to achieve any goal I desire.

Which affirmations do you identify with? Find several that you like and write them on an index card and keep them with you, looking at them here and there throughout the day. You can also create screen savers so that your affirmations are constantly in front of you at your desk or on your cell phone.

Repeat affirmations every day and they will start to become a part of who you are. You will see the needle on your goals dashboard start to shift, and find yourself sticking to your goals throughout the days, months, and year.

The post Live Out Your Goals! 21 Days of Goal Affirmations appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

My typical approach to goal setting is that I review last year’s goals, highlight what I’ve accomplished, and then re-evaluate, update, and set new goals for the next year. Because I am also a college professor, I go through this process over the Holiday Season and during the Summer when classes are out. In between, those goals are posted on my bulletin board right beside my desk so that I see them every day. They are also incorporated into the SuccessMAP (a coaching process for Complete Success clients) so that on a daily basis, I know that my actions are moving me towards my goals. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to the top ten reasons to set goals:

1. Goals give your life purpose. Goals are an integral part of life and when you set goals, it helps us to dream, and aspire for a meaningful life. They help clarify our end vision and set up on the way to deepening our life experience.
2. Goals stretch your comfort zone. Once you’ve dreamed and aspired for something bigger, it stretches you to achieve more and to be more.
3. Goals provide a roadmap to take you from here to there.  Goals give your life structure and help to turn what seemed impossible into something possible. It provides the direction and roadmap necessary to move forward with purpose in life.
4. Goals give you focus. Now that you have a target to aim for, goals will help you concentrate your time and effort with a sense of urgency to keep moving forward. You know what your priorities are and you can then stay focused.
5. Goals motivate you. When you know where you’re going, you have the drive to move forward. Clearly defined goals help establish those priorities and give you the desire to follow the roadmap set before you.
6. Goals make you accountable. There is now a measure of success, a means to see whether or not you are moving forward.  And rather than just fill your time with nonsense, your goals become a measure of your success, holding you accountable.
7. Goals, when accomplished, give you a feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishing your goals and living your dreams are a source of happiness. Your goals bring out the best in you.
8. Goals help you measure if you are living up to your own expectations. You know the feeling it brings when you know you are measuring up to your own standards. You become more self-reliant and confident.
9. Goals create success, one step at a time. They help get you off the couch and following the roadmap that will build your dream.
10. Goals, once accomplished, give us something to celebrate. And the celebration of your accomplishments will once again propel you forward to set higher goals, stretch more, hold yourself you a new level of challenges, and the cycle then starts all over again.

The post Ten Reasons to Set Goals… that will grow your business this year appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

• What do I continue doing?
• What do I need to stop doing?
• What do I start doing?

I’ve been facing a cross-road in my life. When reminded of these questions last October, I diligently sat at the keyboard and answered them in great detail. Then I shortened them into something I felt was doable and set to work. I did and did and did. I tried and tried and tried. I got discouraged and quit. Then I tried some more. Does this sound familiar? Spinning wheels with long lists of “shoulds” and “could’s” and doing more. We guilt ourselves for our failures. We guilt ourselves for not trying hard enough. And when that’s not enough… we blame others for our short-comings. If only… if only… Break the cycle. Look at your choices from a distance. And then ask yourself:
What do I continue doing? Analyze what has worked well. What brings you and others the greatest joy and the greatest results. Once you’ve looked closely at what you’re doing, it will become clear what you’d really like to continue. Write down “why” you will continue these things. These things are constants.
What do I need to stop doing? Perhaps the hardest question to answer. Many times there is emotion tied to something we are doing, and we don’t want to face the reality that it isn’t working anymore. Be kind to yourself, but also be realistic. And when it’s time to stop doing something, chose to stop. These things may be your dead horse and it may be time to unload it.
What do I start doing? Well, the list is endless. It’s time to dream, plan, research, and implement your best ideas. Those that promise the greatest personal and professional results. These are your dreams, aspirations, and the new in your life.
And most of all, enjoy the process. Embrace, say goodbye, and then say hello to what’s new in your life.

The post Three Important Questions That Can Change Your Life and Your Business appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

One of the secrets of business growth is to reach outside of your small business and get help and expertise from others. Among the alternatives out there, forming an advisory board offers accountability and stability to that business.

Corporate America functions with a board of directors, and nonprofit organizations also form a board to guide them. A small business owner, and entrepreneurs alike, can learn a lot from the nonprofit model. The nonprofit organization forms a board with diverse skills. It looks for expertise that it does not possess and fills the board positions with experts who will help them in different areas. So they may look for experts in marketing, sales, client development, finance, etc. And in doing so, they gain the knowledge and the help they need. The possibilities are infinite.

An advisory board can be formalized and meet together on a regular basis, say monthly or quarterly. Or, an informal board may be formed with a group of people to whom the small business owner goes for help and advice as the need arises. Whether it’s a formal or informal group, these people must be chosen wisely. They may be the key to your future success!

The post How to grow your business with an Advisory Board and all the experts you need appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

A mastermind group is a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.”

Have you been asked recently to join a MasterMind? Some meet in person, some over the phone. There are all shapes and sizes. And all sorts of prices.

Napoleon Hill in “Think and Grow Rich” was the first to propose the idea of a mastermind group. He defined it as a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.”  Today, it has become a small group of people who have similar goals and who meet on a regular basis to help each other with brainstorming, accountability, or to educate each other.

There are two basic kinds of mastermind groups.  The first one is a group of people focused on helping one individual succeed.  These groups are usually called advisory boards. A second kind is a group that wants mutual benefit. They join because they want accountability, inspiration, or other guidance. These groups may be created by someone who had an interest or could be formed by a coach, consultant, or specialized person who desires to lead others to their success.

The benefits are endless. Can you see them? You can have a group “in your corner”. A group of like-minded individuals who will support, encourage, and cheer for you. A group who will hold you accountable to the things you say you want to accomplish. A group that will inspire you to keep going and to reach higher goals. The group is available to help you succeed. In turn, each person adds his/her own perspective, expertise, input, and feedback. 

Your mastermind group has a network available to them who can offer resources and connections that you may need.

Doesn’t this sound wonderful? The synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that each person brings to a mastermind group helps to challenge participants to reach higher, dig deeper, and go where no one has gone before.

The post The Mystery of MasterMind Groups and Why You Need to Join One appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

The post Why Sales Gets Such A Bad Rap appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

1. I feel good about the way I do my job.
2. I am an interesting person
3. I forgive every person who has undermined my self-esteem 
4. My mind is full of gratitude for my lovely and wonderful life. 
5. I have compassion for myself and the way my life has developed.
6. I am deserving of all the good things in my life.
7. I am free to make my own choices and decisions. 
8. I am a unique and a very special person and worthy of respect from others. 
9. I am sure of my ability to do what is necessary to improve my life.
10. I am able to take risks and try new things without fear.
11. I accept others as they are and they, in turn, accept me as I am. 
12. It matters little what others say. What matters is how I react and what I believe. 
13. I have high self-esteem as I respect myself. 
14. I deserve all that is good. I release any need for misery and suffering. 
15. I love and accept myself unconditionally.
16. I approve of myself and feel great about myself.
17. I radiate love and respect and in return, I get love and respect. 
18. I am solution minded. Any problem that comes up in life is solvable. 
19. I am worthy of love and friendship
20. I accept myself completely
21. I have a solid sense of self-identity.
22. I am a well-loved and well-respected person. 
23. I see myself realistically and objectively
24. I find deep inner peace within myself as I am
25. I say positive things about myself to myself.
26. I forgive myself for all I have done
27. I am loving and accepting of myself just as I am
28. I share my feelings with others and they accept me
29. I have positive self-esteem
30. My self-esteem comes from inside me
31. I value and honor myself as I am

The post 31 Self-Esteem Affirmations appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

1. Only 37% of American workers say they have calculated how much money they will need to have saved by the time they retire. Making matters worse, many who say they have crunched the numbers used less-than-reliable methods or obtained dubious results. (2003 Retirement Confidence Survey)
2. A whopping 29% of workers say they have not saved for retirement at all. Regardless of whether or not they have saved for retirement, 48% have no stocks or stock mutual funds, either inside or outside of a workplace retirement savings plan.
3. 28% of students age 16-22 say they have a major credit card. 28% of those students with a major credit card say they roll over credit card debt each month. 40% of students are likely to buy a pair of jeans (or something similar) they really want even if they do not have the money to pay for it. 22% would pay for it with a credit card. (1999 Youth & Money Survey)

The reason for these startling statistics and worsening trends is our financial conditioning.  Our beliefs and attitudes are handed down from prior generations. Often, the “rules” we grew up with are no longer working in today’s world.
Habits that may have been helpful back in the 1800’s may not serve us as well today – yet, we’re still ingrained with beliefs and practices that have been passed onto us over the generations.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees”
“You have to work hard to make good money”
“There’s never enough”
“We can’t afford it”
It’s important to note that these sayings aren’t necessarily right or wrong. And it doesn’t mean the person who shared them with you is a bad person, or meant you harm. Remember, they were only sharing information that was handed down to them. What if we can learn to reframe those questions so that the messages are more positive and get us thinking more prosperously?
For instance, instead of “We can’t afford it,”  could be rephrased to “Let’s see how we can afford this.”
OR: Instead of beating yourself up over a bad investment and telling yourself ,”I don’t have any skills when it comes to investing” – how about if you turned it around and said, “Well, I guess that experiment didn’t work!”
I, personally, want to make a difference my household attitude towards money. We talk openly about our finances, plan for events, save together and participate as a family.
We look forward every year to tax time, because we know we will be getting a little bit back.  And as a family, we decide how to spend it. Last year we made a budget with our tax refund and with our children, ages 9, 11 and 13, planned how we’d spend it.  We included Summer Camp for each child, including the supplies they’d need (like real cowboy boots for Horse Camp). We planned our Summer vacation and campout. We paid off some debt. And we set some funds aside for entertainment.  We all agreed on each item as a family.
Our children loved the experience, learned from it, and felt included in the decisions we were making in all our lives. The most important thing to me, is that their ideas about money, taxes, spending and saving are being molded right now while they are young.

The post Teach Them While They’re Young! appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..

According to a survey conducted by TeamViewer, more than half of employed U.S. workers said they would work during their vacations this year. Here are some results from this survey:

• I will read work-related emails – 30 percent
• I will receive work-related phone calls – 23 percent
• I will want access to a document on my home computer – 19 percent
• I will receive work-related text messages – 18 percent
• I want access to a document on my work computer – 13 percent
• I will be asked to do work by a boss, client or colleague – 13 percent

Another survey conducted by American Express Financial Tracker estimated that 59 percent of Americans (some 140,000 million) planned summer vacations. However, the trend seems to have moved towards more meaningful, slower-paced vacations, along with a rise in long weekend travel. They spent approximately $1,180 per person this summer. “Consumers want deeper, richer experiences when they travel,” said David Patron, Vice President of American Express Travel. “When a traveler visits a destination they want to understand the local traditions and feel like they are getting a true insider experience.”

As a society on the move, employees, spouses and children are constantly connected to their world back home through a myriad of electronic gadgets. So when they finally take time off to go on vacation, they stay connected and continue to work remotely. According to Financial, 83 percent of vacationers planned to stay connected and nearly two thirds (64 percent) expected to check their work email daily over their vacation.

CBN.com challenged its readers to unplug for a twenty-four hour period, and reported how difficult people find actually turning off ALL their technology: from cell phones, to PDAs, game boards, TVs, computers.

As we approach Labor Day Weekend, unplug for at least a day. Take a real break from work and the world and see how much more relaxed and peaceful you will be.

The post Summer vacations are becoming working vacations appeared first on Complete Success, Inc..