Welcome back! Many of us treat September as a time of new beginnings. We return to our regular routines and we set goals for ourselves. We get back on track!

Have you set goals for yourself that never seem to materialize? Do you have a dream which seems out of reach?

The good news is that I have developed effective goal setting and goal achievement strategies which have proven to be successful time after time. I truly believe that you can achieve your goals and dreams. You can have an enriched life. You are worth it!

Goals initiate behaviour! Once you start setting goals in your life, you can start controlling your actions and behaviours.

Here are some of my Effective Goal Setting Strategies which you can start using today!


To set the most effective goals we need to be certain that our goals are honouring your true values. Reflect on various areas of your life – family, health, friends, career, physical environment, personal development. What would you like to improve upon? Only make goals if you plan to keep them – not because you think that you should. Too often we are trying to please others and to live up to their values system. Is this goal something which YOU truly desire?


Decide on two or three goals which are realistic, achievable and meaningful for you. If you are too ambitious and you write down too many goals then it is likely that within a few weeks you will get overwhelmed and give up. A short list of meaningful goals increases your likelihood of success. Write them down. Post them everywhere.


This is my version of the SMART Goals:

• Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish? Goals must be clearly understood and easy to recall. Word them simply and positively.

• Measurable: How will you know if you have accomplished your goals and by when? Ideally, use numbers to evaluate your progress and achievement.

• Attainable: To ensure success make your goal realistic and achievable. Given your life circumstances, is it possible? Consider your current abilities, finances, skills and support. Be sure that it is enough of a stretch that you feel motivated and you are enriching your life!

• Resonate: For your goal to have meaning, it needs to have a vibrating connection to your true self. This is the energy which will motivate you through the more challenging times towards goal achievement.

• Thrilling: You are encouraged to set goals that have you stretch, that call you forth to new capabilities and power, that push and pull you forward into a bigger life. Goals should be so thrilling – even scary – that you can’t wait to get started!


In moving toward a goal, it is useful to have someone hold you accountable for achieving it. It is a great structure for helping you to keep the promises you make to yourself. Your accountability partner can be a friend, family member, or your coach. Remember, being accountable is not about getting scolded if you do not succeed. Instead, it’s about having a person who helps you stay focused in your choices around your actions. It makes the goal more real and it invites their support. If you are reluctant to do this, it might indicate a lack of intention on your part to follow through. As a life coach I am an accountability partner for my clients.


Believe that you CAN achieve the goal! Instead of saying, “I’m going to stop eating chocolate”, say “I am choosing healthy foods so that I have lots of energy for my day!” Let your positive attitude show in all of your actions. Celebrate your accomplishments. You will be energized by all of the positive energy which will be attracted to you!

GEM Life Coaching & Consulting offers a variety of Services to everyone – both privately and for businesses. My Services include:


Here is your opportunity to take the time and do something for yourself. Reconnect with your true self and learn effective tools and techniques to make your dreams and priorities happen - for you and for your family/friends/co-workers.

True change needs commitment, understanding, support, and honest feedback. My individual coaching program provides this for my clients. The process is exciting, empowering and motivating! The results are truly remarkable with a lifetime of benefit. You are worth it!


I have had the opportunity to lead many workshops. This month’s workshops include: Effective Goal Setting & Achievement Strategies, Effective Stress Management Strategies, and Effective Life Balance Strategies. I am also running a 4-6 part life coaching series for some mothers’ groups. My 'Love Your Life' Series is receiving amazing reviews and feedback. I am available to lead workshops and for speaking engagements for all sizes of groups.


I am very aware of the challenges of today’s workplace. I offer executive coaching, workshops and lunch & learn seminars. I am more than happy to customize coaching/workshops/seminars for your company’s specific needs.


Time management, Organizing businesses, Process Improvement and Re-engineering.

Click her to see more detail on
GEM Life Coaching and Consulting’s
Services and Workshops.

Just when I thought that my life was so enriched I have been given the gift of more beauty, love, support and hope.

This past weekend our team, Joan’s GEMs, participated in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer’s 60 km walk in Toronto. We walked for our amazingly courageous and loving mom, Joan, a breast cancer survivor and all other women, men, families and friends affected by this disease. We enthusiastically thank all of the people who have been supporting us and those who took time out of their busy schedules to cheer us on. A total of 5,521 walkers and the crew raised $17.3 million to help end breast cancer. What an achievement! In addition, we feel so empowered because we can make a difference. Anything is possible!

I would like to share with you a few of the many heartfelt, inspiring quotes and words which were shared during the weekend for your reflection and use in your own life:

"Just because we can’t do everything, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something!"

"Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have." -Margaret Mead-

Some powerful four letter words: CURE, TEAM, HERO, LOVE, LIFE, HOPE

“I will not forget to live – really Fully Live”, breast cancer survivor

“I will move from survive to Thrive”, breast cancer survivor

“I have decided to light the candle vs. curse the darkness”, breast cancer survivor