This week I had lunch with a very successful business woman. She had come in for a PSYCH-K session and wanted me to know how the session had affected her. She was very excited at some things that had happened. She told me she had always visualized herself in the position she wanted but never visualized herself doing the work! What an amazing statement. Our dreams only come true if we work for them.Success begins in the morning. We plan our day and get things done or we will never accomplish what we want and feel good about our day. My day starts are 5:00 am with prayer and meditation. Then it’s time to get going, get out of the house and over to the Rec Center. Then I start the work of the day. That’s where my priorities are and what works for me. I do take an occasional day to sleep in, but for the most part I stick to the schedule. This may not work for you, but you can find your own way to start your day that’s best for you.

If you want to achieve you must seize the day, organize your schedule and then decide what you will accomplish each day. Yes, house-cleaning and ironing counts. So does taking care of your family. Your time is important and some things must get done. As if I don’t have enough to do, I agreed to be the chair of the Search Committee at my church. Last night I had (I don’t like to use that word unless there is no choice) to go over some documents and make some corrections. Malaika was into Three Dog Night and making pumpkin bread. I turned her over to Dad, closed the door and got done what needed to be done.

Here are four suggestions to help you achieve:

1. Plan your day. Some people plan the night before, others do it first thing in the morning, but plan your day! Consult your calendar, review your goals, and decide in advance what you will accomplish each day.

2. Use a system. Whether you use a “to do list” or some other tool, have a system to keep you on track all day long. There will be distractions–count on it– and you’ll need a system that automatically pulls you back on track.

3. Start strong. A routine is a HUGE part of starting the day with momentum and passion. You may be a night owl and not get up as early as I do. Develop your own rituals, but have a pattern that empowers and gets you started!

4. Celebrate victories! It’s vital to acknowledge each accomplishment through the day. When you accomplish something you have been working on celebrate, pause to smile, maybe do a fist-pump, or even a little happy dance! Celebrations give us energy and confidence. Celebrate what you have accomplished.

There will always be days when no matter what you will not accomplish what you wanted to do. That’s okay because in the long run, over time, if you are responsible for your personal productivity and planning you can and will achieve your goals.