Feeling miserable can drain you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I know. I've been there. Not just once either.

Looking back upon those times I can pinpoint why. And you will be no different. You see, if you are listless, feel drained of energy, have little vitality and don't want to spring out of bed in the morning you are suffering from a lack of something. You lack a goal.

Having a goal will rejuvenate you. All of a sudden you have something to look forward to, something to occupy your time. The day will go faster because your mind will be absorbed thinking up ways and methods to achieve your goal.

Often you will feel miserable after having achieved a significant goal. Yes, you will be euphoric for a little while but then you realize that there is a void. You have gone from something back to nothing.

That is why I recommend that you structure your goals in the following way:

1. a big goal that requires significant time and effort to bring to fruition

2. a medium sized goal that you can switch to when you need a rest from your main goal

3. a small goal that can be achieved reasonably quickly.

Having long, medium and short-term goals will allow you to have variation. Whenever one goal is exhausting you it is easy to switch your focus onto something else to freshen up. Small goals are excellent because they get you into what I call "the achievement routine."

Keep a journal of your goals and write it up whenever significant timelines or guideposts are passed. Get a nice looking journal and write neatly into it. Spend a bit of money on it and put a nice cover on it headed "GOALS."

Upon achieving a goal enter a paragraph or two into your journal about how it made you feel and what benefits you derived from the experience. Whenever you feel like you "just can't be bothered" - and, hey, we all get like that sometimes - get out your goals journal. Read your comments. That will inspire you. Soon you will have your energy back.

I will close by addressing those folk who feel as though they are perpetually miserable. Hear this - "GET A GOAL!" Make it your goal to get a goal.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.