Many of us have dreams - dreams of changing our work situation, our finances, our bodies, etc. However, we also become stuck in the fantasy and find it difficult to achieve the reality. The following excerpt from one of the "Soaring Spirits Seminars" may provide some food for thought.

Let's begin by addressing some of the most often asked questions.

1. Why do we need to set goals?

- Goals give us something to work towards
- Goals give us motivation
- Goals keep us interested

2. What happens when we don't have any goals?

- We become bored
- We lose interest in things
- We find it hard to feel motivated

3. What kinds of goals are out there?

Short Term - the next few months
Mid Term - the next few years
Long Term - the next 10 years or more

4. What kinds of goals would fit into these time frames?

Short term - finish the school year, take a night course, make the ball team, get a summer job, learn to fish well, bike 500K, paint the bedroom, lose 10 pounds, etc.

Mid term - do well in high school, achieve the next advancement in our work place, make new friends, learn a new language, climb a mountain, make the basketball team, develop talents for a new career, become physically fit, etc.

Long Term - become a lawyer, professional singer, dancer, fly to the moon, become a doctor, etc.

5. Is there a connection between the long term, mid term and short-term goals?

- Having short term goals gets you used to setting and achieving goals
- Succeeding in accomplishing goals keeps you motivated
- Long term goals are made up of many short and mid term goals

6. So, why doesn't everyone have goals all the time?

- Life would be too organised - no fun!

7. What is the number one reason why people do not succeed in reaching their goals?

- Fear!!

Jo Ann Colepaugh has been facilitating programs, workshops and seminars to groups of all sizes and from many diverse backgrounds for over 10 years. Her seminar topics are meant to inspire and motivate the participants. For information on seminar topics, rates, etc., Jo Ann can be reached via e-mail at jocole@nb.sympatico.ca, by phone at 506-622-0398 or via surface mail at P.O. Box 190, Pineville, NB, E9E 2G6