As we write this, the world's attention is focused on Sochi, Russia.  We are riveted to our televisions, watching young athletes flip and soar, race and crash, jump and twirl.  We are inspired by their dedication, their endurance, the countless hours they have trained, the sacrifices they have made, and by their unique stories.  Whether they came to the Olympic Games expecting to win gold - or just grateful for the chance to compete and represent their countries, we know they all have one thing in common:  they did not get to Sochi without setting goals.

Given that we are just a few weeks into a new year, many of you have probably been in goal-setting mode as well.  We certainly have been!  Research tells us that people who set goals consistently achieve more than those who do not.  Goals serve to motivate and help us overcome challenges.  They keep us on track - or help us get back on when distracted.  The very act of tracking activity or progress toward a goal is enough to spur some people on to greater performance.

Let this be the year you set and achieve your goals.  A few tips may be helpful:

• If you haven't set any goals in a while, carve out some time to do so.  Consider personal as well as professional targets.
• Establish goals that are big enough to be inspiring - but realistic enough that they don't frustrate you!
• Give yourself a deadline - or better yet, several interim deadlines toward the final goal.
• Decide how you will reward yourself when you have accomplished your goal.
• Think about the types of obstacles you will face.  What is likely to de-rail you, and how can you plan now to overcome those challenges?
• Pick an accountability partner, someone who will help you stay focused on your goal while you do the same for him/her. 
• Keep your goals in front of you - as a note on your mobile device, posted in your office, or tacked to a bulletin board at home.  It's easy to get focused on the details of our lives and work and take our eyes off the larger goals.
• Just get started.  Don't fall prey to procrastination - a habit many of us fall into when we feel overwhelmed.  Even the biggest goals are accomplished one step at a time.  So take that first step, and then another.

Most of us will never win an Olympic medal.  But we can still be champions in our own arenas, by working steadfastly toward meaningful goals.  Here's to your success!