How often do you set goals for yourself? For your family?  For the future?  Probably a lot.  At least most of us.  Are you wise with your words?  Do you show power in what you say?  Here’s just a short list of the top 5 affirmations that are self-proclaimed…

1. From now on, I’m going to be happy!
2. I’m going to respect my husband more from this day forward!
3. I’m going to save more money!
4. I’m going to think more positively.
5. I’m going to work harder.

You’re probably thinking…”that’s a pretty good list there Rachael.  What’s your point?”

Ask yourself these questions….and really think about your answers and what your answers mean compared to the affirmation…

1. From now on, I’m going to be happy!-What does it mean for YOU to be happy?  What steps will you be taking to get there?
2. I’m going to respect my husband more from this day forward!-What does your husband define as respect?  How do you define respect? What have you done in the past that was disrespectful and what steps will you be taking to avoid those acts in the future?
3. I’m going to save more money!-How much money do you have right now?  How much money do you gross?  What bills do you have?  How much do you want to save?  What will you be doing differently to ensure that the money is staying put?
4. I’m going to think more positively.-What is happening in your life that’s causing you to think negatively to begin with?  Can you start by changing that?  Which parts of your life cause negative thoughts to come to mind?  How can you improve those areas?
5. I’m going to work harder.-What are you working on that you don’t feel like you are doing your best at?  What are you passionate about?  What is at the end of that investment?  

It will blow your mind when you really dig deep and challenge yourself to be specific in your goals.  Here’s an excercise:

Write down your top 3 long term goals, with plenty of space in between them.

Now…write down 3 short term goals in between each long term goal.

You, my friend, now have a tangible checklist!  Keep it on your person at all times and start working on crossing each item off!  One of the biggest things that holds us “average Americans” back, is that nagging thought that our past happened.  It keeps us from moving forward in success.  You can’t do anything to un-do your past.  It’s yours.  But you can testify what you’ve learned by embracing your imperfections!