If you really want to make sure that you accomplish your personal and/or career goals, goals, start by writing them down and sharing them with family and friends.

The more reminders and support you have, the more likely you are to see them through to completion.

Here are some things to consider as you start your list.

• Keep your list to 8–10 goals. Too many and you’ll be overwhelmed.

• Write them down and post them where you will frequently see them to remind you of what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year.

• Surround yourself with others who are doing the same thing or have already accomplished it. For example, if you want to be a published author, subscribe to a writer’s magazine and get to “know” the contributors and/or join a local writer’s organization.

• Constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to attain these goals. It’s amazing—once you know what you want to do, you’ll find numerous openings where you never saw them before.

• Visualize yourself succeeding. If you want to be slimmer, picture yourself looking the way you want to look. Imagine that you have already lost weight. If you think thin, you’ll start living thin.

• Let everyone know what you want to do. People want to help others and see them succeed. If they know where you want to go, they will help you get there.

• Free your life of other interests or time-consuming endeavors that no longer fit your goals. Let go of what’s not working or is no longer relevant.

• Talk to people who are doing what you want to do. Ask for their advice and assistance.

• As you meet a goal, replace it with another one. Keep stretching your mind and ambitions.