As the new year begins our hopes, dreams and goal setting flourish.  …and then the year moves on.

As time clicks by how strongly do you influence yourself to follow through with those hopes, dreams and goals?

Most people don’t even set goals and the majority of those who do set them find it challenging to stay on top of taking action.

Here are five tips to achieving these goals.  They’re basic, but usually ignored, therefore making them a bit helpful.

Years ago I wrote an article on Creating The Best Year of Your life that goes into more depth for you, though I have to admit I have trouble following through on the steps as much as anyone who has read the article.

Yep, I’m the guy writing about influence and admitting that he has the same human experience of not always being able to stay disciplined in influencing himself.  Because I’ve found this situation to be the case for most humans, not just me, it makes me wonder about  how realistic our influence is when it comes to the discipline of goals.

So many people make new year’s resolutions that excite and motivate them for a week or two and then they drop back into old distracting habits.  Gym memberships and attendance traditionally soar in January and then plummet in February.  Hmmm…. I wonder if Krispy Creme sales plummet in January and skyrocket in February too?

If you’re one of these folks, don’t beat yourself up.  Realize that influencing others who like and trust you is actually more effective than influencing yourself.  You have your own internal doubts and insecurities to live with and others don’t see those, though they have their own to live with.  Others probably see your strengths and value shining brighter than you do.

On the other hand, if you’re one who is very disciplined and have a good track record of internal influence please post a comment and share some of your secrets with the rest of us.