Make a daily to do list and rank the items in order of importance with an "A," "B" or "C." Do this in the evening so you can get a jump-start on the next day.

"A" items are those that are crucial. You must do these items or delegate them to someone else or there will be consequences. Items rated "A" are often things that must be done as soon as possible. For example, completing a report for your boss due the next day is an "A" item. Do the "A" items first. The things on your "A" list should be helping you toward one of your long-term goals.

"B" items are important, but they are not as crucial as "A" items. Work on the "A" items before the "B" items. When "A" items are done, work on the "B" items.

Let the "C" items slide. "C" items have little value and it's okay if they don't get done. Sometimes it seems that an item is urgent and you may think it's an "A" item, but it's really a "C" item in disguise. To test this, ask yourself what would happen if you never did that "A" item. If nothing dire would result from ignoring it, change the rating to a "C." Most items in the "C" category can be eliminated from the to-do list entirely.

Let's go!

Goal -- the first half of the word is really more than half of what a goal is about. Goals help us set a direction of where we want to go. They also help motivate us to get going and to keep going.

Break down large goals into smaller ones and get going. Every accomplishment will give you a boost of motivation to the next goal. Whenever you succeed, congratulate yourself and enjoy your triumphs, both small and large, and reinforce your sense of happiness and motivation.

As you set small goals and work on achieving them, your life will transform into a series of successes and every step you take will take you on the road to success.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a recruiter, hiring strategist, career coach and speaker, available for personal consultations and speaking engagements. She is conducting a goal setting meeting with Jan Nagel at the Women in Animation meeting on Feb, 1 at DreamWorks Animation. If you are interested in her professional services as a career coach, speaker or recruiter, contact her at PamRecruit@aol.com.