Every year, we make the same promise: This will be the year we are going to achieve our goals.

Lisa Riggi of LHR Administrative Services said she often starts out strong but quickly fades.

It doesn't matter if you start your goals at the beginning of the year or three to six months into the year. Either way, you need a plan. Here are a few easy steps you can take to help you get started.

First, define your goals and be as specific as possible. What do you want to achieve? Make sure you write these goals on paper. Put this list in your office, car or purse. Seeing them helps keep you accountable. Make sure you are being realistic. You cannot lose 50 pounds in a week. If your goal seems too large, you can divide it into smaller goals.

Second, create a plan. What steps do you need to take to reach the finish line? You need to write each step down. The fun part of this is that after each step is done, you get to cross it off. You may want to create a timeline to keep you on task.

Third, visualize yourself achieving your goals. In your mind, create a picture of you finishing your list. Visualize the good feeling you will have when you are all done.

Fourth, take action. Don't just sit there and wish your goals to happen. You need to use the plan you created.

Fifth, reap your rewards. This is the key to achieving your goals. Pick out a reward you would like to have. It doesn't need to be expensive. Cut out pictures of your rewards and put them on your goals list. These pictures will keep you motivated.

Angella Luyk, CEO of Midnight Janitorial Inc., has been a member of the Rochester Women's Network for five years and can be reached at www.midnightjanitorial.com.

This column is written by members of the Rochester Women's Network (www.rwn.org), which seeks to help women connect, grow and succeed.