Goals. No, not Major League Soccer gooooooooooooooooooals. Personal goals. Why do we set goals for ourselves? What's the purpose? And who checks on these said goals? If you are employed by a company who likes to see steady growth, maybe it's your employer, giving you success goals for next quarter. Maybe it's you and your spouse setting financial goals for that vacation you always wanted to take. What about personal goals; the goals we set to help us grow as individuals. 

 So many relate goals to New Year's resolutions, and how they've undeniably failed at those. So how do you make a goal, and stick to it? Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to keep on track:

1) Visualize it

If you see it, you believe it. Close your eyes and picture your self crossing that finish line, taking that golf swing, or giving that presentation. Visualize how accomplished you'll feel when you achieve your goal.

2) Now or Later

This is the procrastination factor. Why get up at 5am and go to the gym, when you can go later? Visualize (See number 1) the sense of disappointment when you slack off, compared to the satisfaction you get by following-through.

3) Accountability

Find a friend who can help keep you accountable whether it's a workout buddy, or personal accountant, For many people, it's important to feel accountable to someone other than yourself- and you can create the same motivation through groups.

4) Downsize

Make your goals smaller, or break them into parts to make the project more achievable. Instead of cleaning the whole house, break it into rooms. If it's weight loss; have a goal weight, break it into quarters to have a better chance of achieving your end result by tracking progress along the way.

5) Take a break

It's ok to walk away from the work for a day. Take a cheat day, or stay home from the office. Whatever the goal is, take time to rechage your batteries to refocus and be able to dive back in tomorrow.

6) Surround yourself with Success

Go in a room with happy people, and try to not be happy- It's addictive. Find others who have similar goals to yours and surround yourself with these like minded people. THey will help keep you focused and on track. 

7) Be prepared

Don't waste time getting ready to accomplish your goal. Have everything you need ready and organized. You'll be more productive and successful if you are prepared.

8) Believe in yourself!!!

The biggest key to reaching your goals is believing you can do it. Doubting yourself is the biggest reason people give up. If you believe it, you can achieve it!

We've all gone shopping for an item that inevitably reads "one size fits all" and wondered how in the WORLD did the manufacturers come up with that?! Whether it was a hat, pair of leggings, or that Captain America costume your girlfriend wouldn't let you buy- but it's on clearance now for $3.99, so it just made sense!  I know I've personally been in the fitting room half laughing, half crying/swearing to this idea of "one size fits all". WHO MAKES THIS STUFF?!!? And where is the sales associate to tell me how fantastic the leggings look, whether they more closely resemble early 90' Hammer Pants or not!? Sad and disappointed, I leave; chalking it up as a disappointing experience.

So often our ideas of making a purchase is based on how it makes us feel. Did I make a good purchase? Will I like it tomorrow? Will it make my butt look big??  The idea that "one size fits all" is archaic at best. 

As a realtor, it's my job to find help my clients find that perfectly tailored fit, whatever that may be. A home is as unique as it's buyer. Some are lofty high rises, others are single-level ranch homes; both equally says "I'm home!" to the right buyer. As a homeowner myself, I went through the "trying on" phase of homes, and quickly realized each one is as different as people. At first, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. That idea quickly changed when I started to see what was out there with the help of a realtor. There is no such thing as "one size fits all". A classic Victorian may work for one buyer, but steer another away. I needed help. I wanted someone there to hold my hand, and answer all my questions (much like my missing sales associate with the leggings!!). A realtor can do exactly that. 

If you are looking for a perfect fit, and haven't found what you're looking for, I'd love to help find the home that suits you!