Empowerment.  A strong word that can mean, taking charge, feeling in control, or moving your life forward in a positive way. When I say I am empowered it means I am completely focused on a goal or task that is making me extremely happy. What does empowered mean to you?

In order to feel empowered you must first have an insight on what it is that is making you feel positive about yourself or a certain situation. Making a career change, moving to a different town, or even finding a hobby that brings you joy. Once you have an idea on what you want to do, now begins the fun part. How do you achieve this task?

Goal setting is a must! Without it, we will find it difficult to feel empowered about any exciting situation. Remember that your goals must match your vision of what you want.

When it comes to goal setting, I tell my clients there are sure fire ways to be successful.

• Make two lists. One list is of your positive traits, and the other one is of your negative traits.
• Break down your goals into smaller ones, so you can master them quickly and feel successful right away.
• Make sure you understand what motivates you.

Here is an example that demonstrates what I have outlined.

Goal: To lose 20 pounds in 6 months.

Vision: To better my health and feel better about myself.

How to achieve this:

Positive traits: willing to learn, organized, stays away from salty foods, likes to do low impact exercises.

Negative traits: Skips meals often, emotional eater, insecure, quick tempered.

Start with smaller goals:

Go to food store and plan my meals.

Stay away from people who criticize me and make me feel bad.

Look into parks where I can walk at least 3 times a week.

What does all of the above help you to realize?

I get motivated by just going to the food store and buying healthier foods. I also feel charged up by encouraging other people in my situation to make changes in their lives. I decided to reach out and join a walking club.

All of the above are small goal setting ways that match your vision of having better health. As you become empowered your goals will increase not only in volume, but at a faster rate. Make sure though, that you NEVER give up, even if you have some major setbacks.

Empowerment will always change, negative into positive, never into always, and someday into now.

 Make sure you understand what motivates you.