I posted it here, looks like a good spot.
I have many goals but a 'personal' one all about me is:
To be the "First" Woman to win the World Series of Poker.
I practice every day by reading poker books, playing in a Casino and online. I ask the "pros" questions online and I'm writing in a poker journal.. When I achieve my goal I will have everything ready for my book (not sure what I'll name it).
Whenever I meet a "pro", I always have a specific question ready for them to answer.

What else can you think of that I should be doing.

What's yours?

Vision board....why not? Put a picture of YOU on there and it doesn't have to be a current one, or even a picture you like...just a picture of you. Then surround it with pictures of ribbons that say "first place" "winner" whatever it takes to give you a vision of winning that title. Why not put the title in WORD, make it in color or something, print it out, and then paste it next to your picture....anyway, just a suggestion.

You're taking all the actions, and you believe, (and quite frankly, I have not doubt about you achieving it either), so why not give your subconscious a little help with the vision board?

One of my goals is to put my speeches online for sale. I want to get them all recorded and give a free sample, of course, then sell them like hotcakes so I can retire to a desert island and have a pool boy. Whatttt? Hey, I'm shallow...sue me.

Good response JJ. There's are instructions on doing a "vision board" somewhere in BWS in January 2007. I have been thinking lately about what I want to achieve by the end of this year. Chick, will your book be about poker or about other things we discuss here? PL

If ya'll are interested, there is a vision board tool available that let's you create an computerized vision board tool that serves as a screensaver. There is also a mind movie tool that let's you create a movie with pictures, sound, etc. I use the vision board tool on my computer and have done so since I became a Passion Test facilitator about 15 months ago.

I saw that computer version of the vision board on your site, MR. I'm stuck on the cut and paste to poster board version. It is ingenius to have it on the computer!

UMV, would you perhaps like to include mastectomy bras as well?

Underwear maven, I had an online retail store that was quite successful and I sold it in March. Please send me a private message with your email address and maybe I can help.

Kathy

Chick, you're doing everything right - keep at it! Maybe you can carry one of those lucky horseshoes like you made for the girls in Vegas?

K

My first goal is to formulate a goal.
I have a book idea, but I'm not a writer. Don't know how to find someone to write it, because it would take a special kind of writer... and I'd want to be involved.
I'd like to get involved with childrens education in some way... not to teach, but to find/develop better ways for others to teach.
I want to establish a retreat for girls and women.
I want to drive (alone) up I-35 til I get to Duluth, MN, stopping along the way to hear stories from people I meet.
I'd like to spend some time on a reservation like Tom Harmer did in Going Native.
I want to live in a convent for 3-6 months.
I want to experience past life regression (this is so against what I was taught to believe, but I still want to do it).
And, I still want to walk the Appalachian Trail (well, part of it now... I think I've waited to long to go full length).
My vision board only has dirt on it... nothing has happened with that.
guess I need to get to work adding other pictures...

Gims, sometimes I wonder if we were symbiotic twins once upon a time...as I was reading through this thread (I'm here all day everyday, yet this is the first time I saw this thread!), the first thought that crossed my mind was "well, my first goal would be to figure out my goals". And then I read your post and laughed right out loud.

Honestly, I'm still stuck in some kind of in-between place. It's not uncomfortable, in fact, it's more like an oasis of respite, so I'm allowing myself to just enjoy it. After all these years of drowning in grief and sadness, it's a relief to feel solid ground beneath my feet and soul!

One thing that I do feel drawn to do is some sort of spiritual retreat. A long spiritual retreat. To reconnect myself to heart, joy, life and to God, and to confront the profound fears that keep me from flying.

There are legitimate reasons that prevent me from making achievable goals that entail outward mobility. So I suppose my first goal should be to accept that at this time the most confining of these circumstances is not within my power to change and to stop wasting all my energy on resenting and resisting that reality. My second goal would be to find peace and reconnection right here-and-now from within the perimeter I'm left with.

I realized after posting my thoughts, that I did set out one goal after Gary died, and that was to travel as much as possible...there were so many places he wanted to see, but never made it anywhere. There is a whole world out there that I've always wanted to see, and we decided that we're not waiting anymore, we're making it happen now. So we're doing our third "big trip" (still using some of Gary's money) next month - Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco (Africa has been on my list since I was a child...Morocco is only one small corner, but it's still Africa - a lifelong dream coming true!)

So I guess I'm not quite as goal-less as I thought!

Hi Gims/Eagle Heart

Oh goodness, I so relate to what you're saying about the first goal to, well, have a goal! I've spent most of my life not willing to set a goal because I might miss out on something else I *could* be doing or enjoying or paying for or something! I even read a book a few years ago with the subtitle "goal setting for those who hate setting goals"...grin. That is how I came to say I have NSOS (Next Shiny Object Syndrome)!

Then last year I was reading a book by Joan Borysenko (sp)that used an interesting analogy. She was saying men tended to climb "Jacob's Ladder", setting one foot after another on the "rungs" (goals, if you will). Achieving, resetting, achieving, resetting. Then she said that for women it is more like "Walking Sarah's Circle" and that women tend to be more "circular" in their achieving of life dreams and doing what they do. Boy, did that hit home with me. I read, and reread, that section and it connected with me to a level I hadn't thought possible. It helped me understand myself so much!

The other thing that helped me a lot (and actually led to me opening my new business) was getting clear on what my passions are...not a goal per se, what drives me at a deep level. What helps me feel connected to others and to my heartspace in a way I never imagined. It helped me see there was a set of core values I have and it didn't matter as much how it happened as that it did happen.

I was actually working with a woman who "knew" she needed to be writing a book and was beating the snockers out of herself because she had only written a few pages in 10 years. However, when we worked together to identify her top 5 passions, she found that she didn't even want to write a book! Or at least it didn't show up in her top 5! Her number 1 passion was a closer walk with God and, to her, that meant becoming a minister. And she never even knew that it was important to her. Way kewl and lots of fun.

So maybe we women aren't *meant* to focus as much on the goals or goal setting as on the experience we want to have...at least that is what I'm learning about myself.

Don't know if this applies to ya'll...and I know it has made a big difference in my life. I do a bubble sort on what is coming up for me and figure out what is most important to me right now. That seems to help me pick my next action and gets me off my nasty circle of not knowing what to do next. If you don't know how to do a bubble sort, let me know and I'll give putting it in an audio or writing it a shot.

Have you ever noticed that the word "goal" is also one of those 4-letter words right along with "diet" and "dust?"

To me desires and goals are two different things.

A goal is a DESTINATION. IT should be specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic, and contain a set of timelines. Find one that meets your needs AND is measurable, and then you know where you're going and you can start creating it from there.

"You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."--Les Brown

A desire is an ASPIRATION.

Goal? To be able to take photos on my OWN of products so I can post them here!

DH has the "professional" camera which I will NOT touch. All I want is a small camera...so many friends want to "see" simple products that I do not put on the web, but often times sell at the market locally. And they are so well received! Like my Cow Pie Soap! It's a hit! But wouldn't you want to SEE it?

We have a small camera but I need to be trained....and DH is too busy, too!

So, goal or ghoul?? My "ghost goal!!"!! LOL!!

Yea that four letter word...'goal'.

Yea, I do have at least 1 goal..I have to get my next paid job. My current one is a contract job and will end some time next year.

yea, my immediate goal sure is measurable...that includes financially.

Yea, I got other goals....aspirations...that I have just seem nearly daunting..hard to focus on when I have little time left after coming home from work.

Hey Chick, I know you didn’t ask for any suggestions for your book title, but these entered my mind, sooooo:

Poker, Joker Schmoker!
Pro Poker Princess!
Full House!”, cackled the wicked witch.

My goals? Getting my book published, travelling through Europe, starting a book club, and getting Hubby to shave before he gets into bed.

Ha ha great book names Eagle. A book club sounds like a great idea. I would call my book "A little pot never hurt anyone" ha ha just kidding.

That is an absolute fabulous name for a book about poker, Chick. I know how you jest sometimes... are you serious this time? If not, you should be... that one is just too clever.

My personal book would be blank pages for the first 25 chapters (you read that right - 25). I've played the game of naming my life's book before, along with coming up with something to put on my headstone.

So, EW, what is the title of your book? I remember you have a book, but don't remember hearing the title or subject matter.

What would you name your book, gims? And you played a game 'what you'd put on your headstone'? Ha, never heard of that one. And what would you put on your head stone?

My book is a love mystery novel. Chatty edited it for me, and did a great job. I'm not too sure which title I want; either
"Run Melanie Run" or "Half Moon Shadows".

Run Melanie Run speaks to me...the other sounds like an old timey Western and doesn't speak to me because 1) I dont' like westerns, and 2) I have to struggle hard mentally to get a picture of shadows cast by a half moon. In doing so, I can't envision what the "mystery" would be. But RMR says there is a woman/girl and that she's running from something and could be in danger and she's scared.

See the different in what the titles evoke? And that's just from glancing at them. If you had a dynamite cover to go with it...well....it might jump off the shelf at me. Just some thoughts.

Then again, I sent 10 different titles for my next book around to some trusted friends and the one I thought they would jump all over, they didn't like at all....as a matter of fact, they didn't like any of um...go figure.

Not to show my gabology side, but to me a title is so important and for different reasons.

1. You're going to be typing it a bazillion times. Do you want to have to type a long, drawn out, hard to spell title? I know I don't.

2. It will have to fit on "some" business cards, brochures, and other advertisements so will it fit? Be awkward looking? Or just is it just right? And WILL IT BE USING SOME GREAT BUZZ WORDS THAT SEARCH ENGINES WILL PICK UP regardless of trends?

3. Will it be hard for others to pronounce? Spell? If so, some people who might otherwise promote it, will pass it by.

4. What will it say to others? Will it speak to them (see earlier comment) or will it leave them dry? Run a test with on some of your friends and ask them what it says to them.

5. And lastly, how does it look on a book cover? Bold, beautiful, or ugly?

Just some random thoughts.

JJ you gave me a lot of food for thought, and I’m on a diet. Hee hee

Well, the half moon shadows are explained in the first chapter, where a girl has such big shadows under her eyes they look like half- moons. But I thought about what you said…and then I pictured a coyote yowling at the moon; so I think you really have a point there.

I’m just afraid the title; “Run Melanie Run” may make readers think it’s about an athlete. It’s not; … she’s running for her life.

Great tips though, JJ. I probably should join a book club like Louisa has started, but in Germany, an English speaking book club? No luck.

Has anyone ever suggested putting excerpts from some chapters of their book, to get criticized? Or is everyone afraid the ideas may be stolen from someone online?

Putting it where? Here? I would NEVER suggest putting excerpts on an open forum or a chat room...when the entire world can see it, you can almost be guaranteed that someone will take the idea and run with it. Not only that, but you are opening yourself up for criticism from yahoo's and any Dilbert that wants to comment. Think SPAM...

Now a private chat room, maybe....but the only way I would put an excerpt on the net in open view would be AFTER it was published.

Just my thoughts and coming from someone who had complete articles stolen and copied.

My current achievable goal is to finish rewriting one of my finished manuscripts. One is a historical romance novel and the other is a contemporary romance. Just have to get busy and do it. I need to have them done and published by next year about this time. Ugh!

Edelweiss's book is a great read and keeps one on the seat of their pants the entire time. There is so much variety in place, actions and personalities.

I am reading your comments JJ and Edelweiss. Do you remember my suggesting other titles for the reasons you mentioned above. NO, not the half moon, it is just a blurb in the entire book and not important enough to warrent the title in my mind.
Run Melonie, Run, is okay but as you said some may think her a competitive runner. So may I suggest since I've read the manuscript completely...

RUN MEL0NIE, ESCAPE...

RUNNING FROM DISASTER...

MELONIES MURDEROUS ENCOUNTER...

WHY DOES MELONIE RUN?

Just a couple of suggestions...

How awful JJ! Complete articles stolen and copied! Yikes, that is like stealing a part of your soul. Do you know how much of a risk it is to send a manuscript to an editor? I wonder if they just steal some stories, and publish it under another name. Has anything like that ever come to surface?

Sandpiper, maybe we should just open our own publishing company.

Chatty, you DO know flattery will get you everywhere. ((((Chatty))))
Yes, I remember the discussion about the title. It’s not easy, and as JJ said, it’s probably one of the most important things of the book. Thanks for your suggestions.

I would think the chances of a mannie being stolen and used would be less. Reason being, if I had a mannie stolen, I would go after the culprit, hook, line and stinker and most people know that. But also, and this is important, most companies are honest, hard-working people, just like us. They do not want to steal your work, but promote it. My best suggestion would be to check out who you are dealing with, thoroughly.

Is your work copyrighted?

Listen, if someone wants to steal your work bad enough, they will. It's that simple. I use to fret over it but found that the angst wasn't worth it. If it were a manuscript, my attitude would be different.

However, just because I don't sweat it anymore, doesn't mean that I would put tons of my work online again. This was taken off my homepage. And I won't do that again. EVER.

But articles that I write for Dotsie are copyrighted...as well as the ones for magazines. So, if they steal those, at least I have proof they are owned by me, should I pursue them, AND for the peace of mind of the Editors!

Clear as mud?

Wow, what a great thread. I have enjoyed getting to know you all with this topic. To know what someone is reaching for is to really see into their heart and soul. What lovely hearts here.

My most recent goal was to move from being a Women's Ministry Director to a Christ Centered Life Coach. I love working with women, seeing them overcome the lies, fear, shame and limiting beliefs that keep them captive and unable to dream. I have first had to allow myself to dream again. I have to overcome my own junk - of course a life-long process. There's always some toxin to clean out - the debris of living in an imperfect world and being an imperfect person.

I'm reaching next to launch a women's coaching club to help women gain the support they need and give the gifts they have - to one another. To reach into the uncomfortable new from the accepted pain of the status quo. Which means of course, that I am VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for this topic and allowing me to say this all "out loud" to such fine women. Blessings!

I truly believe there is a lot of life coaching that goes around on this forum. No subject is taboo and everyoine can relate to
most of what we share. Just one of the reasons this place and the women here are simply invaluable...

Good words Chatty - so far I'm blown away by the warm support.

Hi Barb

Awesome, truly awesome. And as someone who is changing careers from a "semi techie" to speaking and coaching, I truly get what you mean about cleaning out the toxins. It took me a long time to allow myself to dream again and now that I am, I find it brings up all sorts of other stuff to be cleared and forgiven. Sometimes I wish *that* part of my journey was done (grin) AND I get to remember that I'm a fallible human, just like all those I get to share time with.

One of my big passions is helping women discover and live their passions...and to help them find the gifts their life experiences and "stories" have buried in them.

Thank you for taking on you and, in doing so, helping so many other women get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

Good to have a fellow traveller Mamared - To be a coach, one must be coached. That's all there is to it sometimes! Thanks for your kind words and understanding...

Hi Barb

Oh you are so right! And I've been blessed with some truly awesome coaches and programs that have helped me continue moving forward! Not always comfortable AND always illuminating, eh?

I love this thread. It's great to know what each of us are striving for in our lives. So many women take a back seat to their dreams when they take care of their families and when it's time for them to soar, many of them don't know how or remember their dreams. So I'm glad to know we've got many life coaches here to help them.

In all my dealings with authors I've never heard one say their manuscripts were stolen when they sent it to an editor or publisher. I agree with JJ that most of them are just like us, good, hard working people trying to get ahead in life.

Ew I have opened my own publishing company. Just waiting now to publish the first book. It's a long undertaking in order to understand how to do it and what you want to do with the company. When I'm ready I'll be letting you all know about it. But it's named Tide Dancer Publications. I am going to open it up to the boomer women here.

Wow, Sandpiper. You have opened your own publishing company! That is very exciting. Tide Dancer Publications; that is an impressive name. You go girl! I can’t wait to hear more about it.

Way to go Sandpiper...publishing isn't an easy biz to be in! I've done technical documents for years and years (more than I care to count) and getting the manuscript ready may be the easiest task! I can't begin to imagine how much work the marketing and promotion is. I'm so glad there are folks like you who will take that on. I can't wait to hear more either!

Does anyone here do Grant Writing? I received a note this morning from my college alumni group about a need for a grant writer - just throwing it out...

Check out my post under Women Writers below to get an answer on the question of editors who steal your work...

I'll let you all know when Tide Dancer Publications is ready to be open. It has been a long, learning, experience. I am happy about the company. There are so many writers that, because of the shrinking houses, are very good but are unable to get published. It is one of the reasons I decided to do this.

I'm excited about it but it keeps me busy constantly changing hats, so to speak, between being owner and author. I am looking forward to a great venture. Thanks for the interest. I'll keep you informed.

My current achievable goal is to be called SKINNY by my birthday in June 2009. Just watch me!

Chatty! What a great goal - I can see that it excites you! Do you have any benchmarks? You know.... X number of pounds (or size or blood pressure or....) by January, 1/2 that amount by November.... I'm rooting for you!

That's my goal too! Hey Chatty, your aviator is ahead of me!

My aviator????? I wish I had an aviator! "Fly me to the moon and let me sing among the stars." Thats me singing....

I have dropped 49 pounds since the ladies were here in Vegas. I have mucho gusto more to go and I will, I guarantee it. Know why? Because my punishment if I don't, is 6 full monthe without any BWS. I am a strict task master and thats the challenge I've given myself.

Well there is a cute white haired lady staring at me next to your posts;...who I assume is your aviator. No wonder she is so skinny...your dropped 49 pounds!!! Wowiezowie!
Maybe this aviator is more suitable!