Hello, You!

That person looking back at you in the mirror has the right to her own goals, dreams and some "me time" too. And there are plenty of ways to get focused on you.

The first step to rediscovering yourself begins with realizing that you’re worthy of it. You won’t get the “Worst Mother of the Year” award or a “Bad Best Friend for Life” trophy by taking time for yourself. And don't worry about falling behind at work if you don't work 60-hour work weeks. It's all about working smarter, not harder.

Define Your Goals

Establishing a clear definition of your goals is the second step, and it's the best way to get motivated and accomplish them. Set goals that can easily be measured and realistic to what you truly want.

Define your goals by deciding what you want to achieve in your lifetime. What makes you happy? Write the main goals first, followed by smaller, attainable targets to reach and get you there.

Top Achievement.com recommends using this S.M.A.R.T. guide when developing your goals:

Specific- A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal.

Measurable- Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set.

Attainable- When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true.

Realistic- To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work.

Timely- A goal should be grounded within a time frame.

Keep track of each goal you accomplish. This will help you stay on course while building your self-confidence.

Remove Obstacles

Is there anything preventing you from reaching your dreams? Too many times we let fear, self-doubt or negative naysayers stand in our way.

The only person responsible for your happiness is you. Failure is a part of life and often the best teacher on the path to success. So, stop hesitating and jump out there.

When making a lifestyle change, a positive network of family and friends is a must. Attaining your goal may require a great deal of sacrifice and change. The last thing needed as you start your new journey is any negative conflict. Surround yourself with those eager to encourage and support you.

Pamper Yourself

Susie never misses practice, your husband enjoys his favorite meals and Rover gets his morning walk, all thanks to you. How about a little self-indulgence?

There’s no better way to get centered back on you than a relaxing visit to a spa. From acupuncture to a mud body wrap, spas provide the perfect environment to meditate and reflect on what’s important to you.
Spas are an excellent choice to rejuvenate your mind body and spirit. Check out the following Web sites and treat yourself to a little R&R:

www.avalonss.com
www.siaspas.com
www.tuscanyspaandsalon.com

Try a New Look

Still wearing the Jennifer Aniston bangs from 1998? Well, my friend, there’s no better way to start your new journey than with a new look.

Makeovers are great for building your confidence and improving self-esteem. If you’ve neglected yourself over the past couple of years, make an appointment with a stylist and get an update on your look.

Be open to trying something totally different, but stay within your comfort zone. If you’ve had long hair since your teens, try a shorter look. Always been a brunette? Go blond, or maybe red.

Makeover solutions is a great Web site that lets you take a virtual makeover with your picture online. You can search hundreds of celebrity hairstyle pictures to find your new look.

Here are a few beauty and style tips from www.makeoversolutions.com:

• Keep ends looking healthy and neat in the summer heat by getting a trim every 4 to 6 weeks. Also, a good leave-in conditioner with SPF may be your hair's best friend this season.
• The best place to test if a foundation color is right for you is against your neck or on your jaw line. To see if the color is correct for you, examine the color under a good light (natural daylight is best).
• Never apply mascara before using a curler on your eyelashes. You should apply all other eye makeup (liner, shadow, shimmer) first, but keep your lashes clean before you curl them.
• When using a powder blush, be sure to shake off all excess color from the brush before applying. If you're not sure where to apply, just smile as you look into your makeup mirror and dab on the apples of your cheeks.
• If your hair gets poofy or frizzy as it dries aggressive towel drying may be the culprit. After shampooing, squeeze moisture from your hair with a towel and smooth downward along the hair shaft to keep the cuticle laying flat. Apply some leave-in conditioner and detangle with a wide-toothed comb.
• Don’t forget about your wardrobe. Take an honest look at your closet. Are your clothes drab or fab? Not sure? Ask a good friend to come over for a fashion show and ask for her honest opinion.

Plan Events That Interest You

When’s the last time you planned an event that got you revved up and excited? The kids' birthday party or your sister’s wedding shower doesn’t count.

Plan something that appeals to you, whether it’s skydiving or taking a cruise. Too many times, we get caught up in supporting everyone else’s activities, while forgetting to plan things for ourselves.

Suggest checking out live music, a wine tasting, riverboat tour or comedy show for girls night out with friends.

It’s easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day tasks for family, career and friends. But we have to remember that we can take care of ourselves, as well as others. Start a plan, get rejuvenated and put the focus back on you. Who knows? There may be a dancing queen itching to come out!