From Health Magazine

Why do some goals seem effortless while others die in a heap of good intentions? Saying "I want to lose weight" or "I want to earn more money" won't work, says Gary Ryan Blair, a consultant who assists executives at IBM, General Electric, and FedEx with goal setting. If you aren't making progress, evaluate your goals with these three questions:

• Is your goal specific? When you give someone driving directions, you don't just say "I live near the high school." That person needs specific details or she will wander aimlessly. By the same logic, think of your goal as a specific destination, then decide the best route to get there. That way you'll easily see when you've taken a wrong turn.
• Is your goal measurable? Whenever you flip on an NBA game, you check who's ahead. Without the score, it wouldn't be fun. The same anatomy of a goal is true of goals: You need to know if you're winning, losing, or holding steady. Running out of steam? Take a lesson from the coach: Change strategies, give a pep talk, or bench your star player (that's you) so she can recharge.
• Do you have a deadline? Your phone bill is due by a certain day -- if you're late, you're penalized. Your goals need consequences too, or they will always be less urgent than the phone bill. Keep your motivation high by dangling a reward or penalty based on your deadline performance.

Goal Boosters

It's easy to get lured off course, letting a little immediate pleasure compromise a long-term goal. But these strategies will help keep your eye firmly on the prize -- and off that budget-busting outfit or calorie-laden dessert -- tipping the odds in your favor when temptation strikes.

• Reward progress. Doers should give themselves a break at the end of each project. Reflectors can display their results. Joiners can plan a party to celebrate. And Experiencers can reward themselves with an event or a trip. Write down the reward when you first decide on your goal.
• Post reminders. Keep your targets top-of-mind by putting sticky notes of the biggest goals on your computer or bathroom mirror. Hang a picture on the fridge of the pants you want to fit into or the mountain you want to climb.
• Build a support team. Tell anyone and everyone about your goals so they can lend a hand (or ear). Ask a friend to check your progress every week. Tell your boss you're spending your lunch hour learning a new skill.

Progress Prodders

If, despite your best efforts, you find you are slipping, try these tips:

• Punch the clock. All four personalities are motivated by time ticking away, so consider buying a countdown clock. Set the clock on your desk, put in your target deadline, and watch the countdown of the days, hours, and minutes you have left to reach your goal.
• Get a gadget. Gear can motivate you and track your progress. Strap on a pedometer: Walk 2,000 steps every morning. Put on a watch and do 30 minutes of reading every night. Every time your energy flags, try a new gadget to revive your drive.
• Hire help. If you struggle for each tiny advance, think about hiring a dietitian, career counselor, or life coach to keep you going. The regular check-ins and money spent will definitely increase your dedication.
• Start a food journal.  Having the facts and figures right in front of you every day will help you learn about not only how much you eat, but when you eat and maybe things that trigger your eating.  Click here to learn more about the value of a food journal and to start your own journal.