I came across the following this morning in my devotion time and thought it was a great way to start the new year!

Whoever said, "Procrastination is the thief of time," was right.  We keep postponing, promising ourselves we'll do better.  Be honest, how many of last year's resolutions did you keep?  This year do things differently.  Make your goals S.M.A.R.T.

(S)pecific:  Get up earlier in order to read your Bible or other positive material and pray or meditate before going to the office.  Make time for your family.  Exercise.  Eat right.  Take care of your body; it's God's temple.

(M)oderate: Tackling more than one project at a time dilutes your focus and makes it harder to stick with.  When you start too much you finish too little.  Start small and build on your successes by mastering and maintaining one thing at a time.  (This is directed directly to me!)

(A)chievalbe: Don't try to swallow the whole elephant in one bite.  Baby steps are the name of the game.  Talk in terms of what you will do instead of hat you won't.  For example, instead of saying "I'm not going to be so critical," say, "Today I'm going to loo for something good in everybody I meet."

(R)ecordable:  You can't manage what you can't measure.  Documenting your progress (or lack of it!) makes you accountable, shows how far you've come and what you need to work on. 

(T)ime specific:  Review your goals weekly (or daily if you are struggling).  That way you can trouble-shoot early, and change direction when necessary.  The Bible says "Throw yourself into your tasks so ... everyone will see your progress." Come on, make up your mind, get off the coach and go for it!

Happy New Year to ALL - May 2009 be profitable and productive for you.