It is easy to put off preparing a presentation, developing a workshop, making calls to clients, writing articles and books, and other tasks. An external deadline can be a great way to make progress toward your goals. If you have been thinking about doing something, but not taking much action, set a deadline. Then, make yourself accountable to someone else for meeting the deadline. When another person expects you to complete a task, you are more likely to actually do what you have been putting off.

• Join a group of people who are all working toward goals. Announce your goal to the group and provide progress reports. The support of the group will help you reach your goal, and the act of reporting to them will cause you to focus on results.

• Work with a partner. If you are each responsible for completing different parts of the same project, failure to do your part means letting down your partner.

• Hire a coach or trainer to keep you on track. Just the fact that you are expected to have something done before your weekly meeting can motivate you. That you are paying for the time can also encourage you to make progress quickly.

• Make a public commitment to having something completed by a certain date. There is nothing like the threat of public humiliation to get you started--and to make you finish. Agree to present a breakout session at your professional association's annual conference. Sign a contract to deliver the manuscript of your book by a certain date, or start promoting the book you plan to self-publish.

Dont forget to reward yourself when you complete a task and reach your goal.