More folks start self-improvement programs at the beginning of year than at any other, but it seems fiscal self-improvement fits right in at any time. With that in mind, I want to share a great definition of success, some key thoughts on motivation, and exactly what makes motivation "happen"-- tips I learned long ago. I'll then wrap it up with some outstanding support links especially of a motivation character. But for starters, try this out:

This definition says some rather spectacular things. For example, it says that success is a journey and not a destination. It also says that goals must be worthwhile and personal. They cannot be someone else's goals like those of your boss, parents, or even your spouse. They must be yours and they must be of value to you.

Close scrutiny of this definition also leads to the conclusion that success is a developing attitude because an attitude is simply the way we routinely feel or think about something which causes us to act in a certain way. We act and react in relation to our thought patterns which we have developed about the subject.

So an attitude is caused when we think about something the same way over and over until it becomes automatic. The resulting actions in response also become automatic. Change the habit of thought and you change the attitude. Change the attitude and you change the resulting action.

But how do you change the attitude and resulting action. That's where goal setting comes into play along with visualization of the desired outcome. Here are the greatest 5 steps I have ever seen geared towards that end.

Step 1: Write down specifically what you are trying to do and by when. There is something magical about putting a date on it. The subconscious cannot act on some nebulous "someday" anymore than it can work on an unrealistic objective it knows it can't achieve. Therefore, it must have a concrete time frame, it must be written down, and it must be specific and realistic. For example, wanting "more money " is not the same as "10% increase over last year by October first."

By the way, don't be shy about committing to a date. It isn't written in granite. Your goal, especially in the beginning, may not be realistic and the date may have to be adjusted. But you may not know that until after you start. By dating, your subconscious can also determine the amount of energy required.

Step 2: What are the obstacles? This is the only negative aspect of the whole process. List everything that is stopping you. What are your inadequacies? What do you need to get there that you don't already have? What is it that's blocking you? Why aren't you already there?

Step 3: WRITE a plan to overcome EACH obstacle. List your action steps 1... 2... 3... etc. for each obstacle from above. Be as specific as possible. What will it take to get you past the obstacle that is blocking you from what you want?

NOTE: Skipping or skimming past these last two steps will destroy the process.

Step 4: List the benefits to you. There is no such thing as something for nothing. You must replace a thought process and resulting action with a new thought process which will produce a desired result. There must be a benefit derived of sufficient value and meaning to you alone to be worth the effort necessary to do this and to overcome the resistance to change.

There is a truth about human nature that we often do not like to face up to. Because something is meaningful to our spouse, child, boss, or anyone else regardless of their importance, it is normally insufficient to move us to action. It must, in fact, be important within the self. When this importance is discovered or developed, change occurs and it can be dramatic!

Step 5: Is it worth it? This question must be answered very carefully and honestly. If the answer is yes, do it and DO IT NOW! However, if the answer is no, if the benefit derived cannot muster the desire to overcome the obstacle, you have three choices:

1. Change the goal thereby reducing the obstacle;
2. and/or increase the benefit to make it more meaningful.
3. Drop the entire issue and get on with your life without feeling guilty.

The amount of time we waste feeling guilty is a tragedy of human existence. Get on with your life with other goals and don't look back.

One final thought: If you stumble or fall off your goal., that's okay. Remember, success is on ongoing journey... not a destination. The only time you fail is when you quit or never get up after falling down.