Then, a few years ago, certain grocery stores like Whole Foods Market began to recognize environmentally aware consumers by paying them back a nickel for each bag they brought in. Although I was pleased with this change of events, I felt I didn’t need to be “rewarded.” Then, a little less than a year ago, my city passed a new ordinance: Now, instead of receiving money back for bringing our own bags, we were going to be docked 5 cents for each bag the store gave us. Environmental conscientiousness had gone from something praiseworthy to something punitive. Although my own BYOB approach had not changed over the years, I found myself resenting what I perceived as a heavy-handed attempt to “make” people do the right thing. It had reached the level of absurdity when clerks at the local deli would hand me a slice of greasy pizza and expect me to carry it out of the store without a bag unless I was willing to pay an additional nickel for it.

It seemed to me that the bag situation had become a metaphor for big, intrusive government, and I was pretty sure I was turning into a libertarian. I wondered why big brother felt it had to force me to do the right thing, and why it assumed (condescendingly) that it had the moral authority to do so. If the government was so concerned about the environment, I reasoned, why was the burden falling solely on consumers to protect it? Why weren’t recycled bags offered to customers upon entering the store? Why did stores continue to pack items in plastic bags at the checkout counter? Why weren’t larger, sturdier reusable bags made available in the produce section so that consumers could place all their produce in one bag rather than having to use a separate bag for each item? Why weren’t meats better wrapped so there was no chance they would “bleed” onto other items and contaminate them? Why weren’t consumers made more aware of the actual cost to the environment, not to mention their wallets, when plastic is used? And why weren’t the savings to the environment showing up in lower grocery bills?

Then I moved to another state, where only certain areas banned plastic bags. It was disconcerting to be thrown once again into a maelstrom of plastic, but I noticed that many people were choosing, of their own free will, to recycle and bring their own bags. They didn’t need a law to guide them. Ultimately, this seems to me to be a more effective way to institute positive change, because it reaches people’s hearts and minds, not just their wallets. In the end, perhaps the more progressive method isn’t to penalize people into good choices but to encourage and inspire them.

Living a life of purpose requires planning and thought. One must have clear values and a vision for the future, a sense of what things will look like in one, five or ten years. Do you want to be in the best shape of your life? Do you aspire to take your career to a new level? Do you dream of spending a year sailing around the world? Creating a vision of what we really want in life can be very challenging. It also can be wonderfully inspiring, even exhilarating. But even those of us who have a clear sense of where we want to go and what we want to do can struggle to turn it into reality. Fulfilling your dreams requires more than inspiration and even perspiration. If you really want to shape the important aspects of your future, you must be willing to articulate, commit to and execute clear, measurable goals.

We all set goals – whether we realize it or not – but few of us do so systematically or effectively. Indeed, much of the time our goals amount to little more than vague wishes and desires. Setting real, measurable goals involves more than wishing. Real goal setting, like anything else, is a skill, one that requires time, patience and a willingness to learn from mistakes and missteps. If you’re just getting serious about setting goals and living life of purpose, here is some advice that will make the process easier and more effective.

Envision the Future

Before you can set even one goal, you need to create a vision of what you want your future to look like. This is not something most people can rush. You need to take time – months if necessary – to think about all the important aspects of your life, from your career and health to relationships and spiritual growth.

You might want to start by simply making a list of all of the important parts of your life – like family, career, health and finances. Take a hard look at where you are now in each of these areas and be completely honest with yourself or this exercise will not work. Next, ask yourself where exactly you want to be in each of these areas in the coming year or years. At this point, don’t be concerned with how you’re going to get there. As long as the future you envision is even remotely possible, go ahead and paint a picture of what you want in your mind. For instance, let’s say you want to stop working for someone else and to start your own small business. At this point, don’t worry about the practical questions – such as where you might get the funds or how you would support yourself if you were not drawing a steady paycheck. Simply visualize the kind of business you would be running and what it would mean to you.

Once you’ve created a vision for what you want each important area of your life to look like, set each of them down in writing. Be as specific as possible. For example, just don’t say: “I want to look like Lance Armstrong or Serena Williams.” Describe in detail how you want your body to look and feel in every way. Visualize and describe what it will be like to wake up everyday with vigor and energy or how it will feel to fit into size 4 jeans.

Create Clear Goals

Once you have an end in mind in each important part of your life, it’s time to map out how you’re going to get there. As with creating a vision, it’s imperative that you write your goals down and that you be as specific and clear as possible. So, instead of just saying that you want to start an online business, create a detailed picture of what you will sell and how. Describe the mechanics of your business, from manufacturing to distribution to fulfillment. And supplement this description with metrics – such as the revenue and profit you will make in your first year and in successive years.

Or, going back to our physical fitness example: Don’t just say that you want to get into great shape and move on to your next goal. Describe your best state of health in as much detail as possible. In my own case, I’ve supplemented this detailed description with metrics such as an ideal weight and blood pressure. I’ve even envisioned myself crossing the tape in a marathon. The more details you can provide, the better.

Devise an Action Plan

Once you’ve set out clear goals, it’s time to figure out how to meet them. Each goal requires a roadmap or step-by-step plan to get you from where you are to where you want to be. As always, write down your plan and be as specific as possible. If, for instance, your goal is to finish a book, your action plan could be quite detailed, setting deadlines for each chapter and working out how and when you will accomplish the research and writing. Or you could set a goal of working on the book a certain number of hours a week or even minutes a day. Setting time goals is often more realistic, because you may not know how long something will take to complete. On the other hand, setting and even meeting a time goal can be counterproductive if you are not making enough progress on your real goal of finishing your book. Remember, process is important, but it cannot trump results. If you’re “writing” an hour each morning and producing little usable text, you may want to go back to setting chapter deadlines.

Make Goals Measurable

Almost every goal is measurable. Some goals, such as those involving losing weight or saving money, can easily be measured and tracked over time. Others require a little creativity. For instance, if your goal is to be the best salesperson at your firm, it’s probably inadequate to simply set a monetary goal. In addition to a monetary figure, you might set out to make a certain number of cold calls per week or a certain number of networking meetings with potential new clients. Or, a person who establishes a goal to buy a new house by a certain date could plan to view so many properties each week and to look at a certain number of real estate websites each day.

Include an Accountability System

Once you’ve created your goals and an action plan, it’s important to find ways to make yourself accountable. There are different ways to do this. For instance, you might make a regular appointment to share your goals and action plan with someone who agrees to hold you accountable. Make sure there is some reciprocity in the relationship as well as professional respect. The prospect of disappointing someone you admire and trust can be a strong motivator. There are even groups – known as Master Mind groups – where people get together regularly and encourage each other to set and meet goals. Look on the web for a Master Mind group in your area.

Another way to encourage accountability is to create a system of carrots and sticks connected to meeting your goals. Such a system could be simple. For example, you could reward yourself for finishing a large business project or reaching a certain weight goal with dinner at a favorite restaurant or even a vacation. Once, after a friend and I successfully completed a 10-mile race we had spent six months training for, we celebrated with lunch and a bottle of champagne at a favorite restaurant. Or, those who carefully budget and keep track of their money could create a system whereby they “pay” themselves small amounts for accomplishing steps along the way towards a goal.  For instance, you could pay a small amount into a “fun” account for every mile you run or every cold call you make.

Periodically Review and Change if Necessary

Reviewing your goals is essential. You may want to carve out a little time one day a week to walk through your goals and your plans and to determine how you’re doing. I try to take stock of the last week and plan for the next one each Sunday. This is the time to figure out what is and isn’t working and whether your goals are realistic. Don’t be afraid to change your plan or even your goal if you feel that something is wrong. It may be that you’re approaching achieving your goal in the wrong way, requiring you to review and amend your action plan. Or it may be the goal itself. If your heart consistently isn’t in it – maybe you don’t really want it badly enough. Sometimes goals, particularly audacious goals, sound wonderful and well worth doing in the abstract but are not ultimately important to you. That’s ok. Remember: you’re trying to create the best version of you, not trying to be someone else.

A periodic review also is necessary to help keep your dreams and goals front and center in your mind. So don’t just use the review to figure out what you’re doing right and wrong. It’s also a good time to give yourself a pep talk and to remind yourself why you’re doing this at all. Meeting goals is hard – especially after the first few days or weeks of enthusiasm wanes. Again, visualize what you’re working toward. I like to look at people who are in particularly good shape – often on the covers of fitness magazines – because it helps motivate me to go to the gym even on those days when it would be easier to stay in bed and sleep another hour.

Have Fun. Set Audacious Goals

While it’s always important to place your goals firmly in the realm of the possible, don’t sell yourself short by setting anemic goals. Small goals inevitably lead to small improvements. And while small improvements are better than none, the whole point of setting goals is to create a life that is fundamentally better. So go ahead, set big goals and challenge yourself. For one thing, you won’t really know your limits until you test them. And wouldn’t you rather accomplish 90 % of a big goal than 100 % of a small one? Also, it’s a lot easier to get excited about meeting goals when they are substantial, meaningful and even a little fanciful. For instance, it’s a lot easier to get juiced about swimming with dolphins than about swimming in a pool at the YMCA. Dreaming big is a lot more fun than dreaming small.

Setting and meeting goals is not easy. It’s a lot more challenging to consistently challenge yourself than it is to let the currents of life sweep us down the river. On the other hand, if setting and meeting goals is hard, the alternative is ultimately much harder. As Samuel Johnson once said, it is hard “for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done.”

Bottle Your Own Water

Even if you’re using Brita or PUR pitchers or have filters on your kitchen faucets, you’re probably still buying a lot of bottled water each week—for travel, workouts, kid’s lunches, etc. You’d be amazed at how much you can save by pouring your filtered water into a safe stainless steel container. These are great because they are unbreakable, they don’t leach the way plastic does, and they don’t leave behind residues that can interact with what you are drinking. Aquasana sells some great water purification products, bottles, and totes that keep things cool and easier to transport, but there are many companies now selling these products. http://www.aquasana.com/.

Unplug

Stroll through the rooms in your house one evening and take an inventory of all the lamps and appliances and electronics that are plugged in but rarely used. Unless it is a high-usage item or you are entertaining guests, there’s really no reason to be stacking up the outlets. Another possibility is to plug all nearby lamps and appliances into a power strip or surge suppressor. When you’re not using anything, simply turn the power strip off. This gives you get the benefits of unplugging everything without actually having to do so. Even digital displays on audio equipment, microwaves, cell phones, etc. are draining power and adding to your bills. Flick them off before you go to bed and especially before you leave on vacation or for a business trip. You have the added peace of mind of knowing you haven’t left the coffee pot on!

Cycle and Save . . . Lower Your Gas Bill and Weight at the Same Time

You may enjoy the convenience of driving your car, but have you looked closely at what those yearly parking garage bills are costing you? If you live in an urban area, the subway fees (not to mention the psychological costs of overcrowded trains, safety threats, and rude passengers) can make you wonder if the negligible savings are actually worth it. And what about those 10 extra pounds per decade you’re facing? Get on top of it by resisting the easy route. More and more cities are becoming “bike friendly,” with specified bike paths and accessible storage racks. Cycling is great for the environment and saves money, but it’s also good for your health, and may end up actually saving you some time because you’re also getting in your workout for the day! You might consider proposing to your employer that employees who cycle receive a bonus (call it a special assessment) on travel costs. If your business is willing to send you to a gym on their dime, why can’t they offset your eco-friendly and health-friendly travel costs?

Make Lists, Start Early

It might sound a bit “Type A-ish” to make lists, but there is nothing more distressing than waking up at 2:00 a.m. with the clutching recognition that you have a hundred things yet to do and there is no more time to do them. From recycling old electronics to signing leases to last-minute appointments with friends, there is a lot to stay on top of, and it’s important to do a little bit each day. Fewer things can go wrong if you are organized and persistent. You might break your list into more manageable categories such as “People,” “Finances,” and “Utilities,” or with titles like “Immediately,” “Before the Move,” and “After the Move.” Some things simply can’t be done before others, and if you try to rush them, chaos will ensue. It also can be helpful to decide what doesn’t have to be done right away so that you can focus on the bigger priorities. Buying new throw pillows for the couch and updating your Netflix account can probably wait!

Maintain Regular Routines

During the weeks before the move I made the mistake of leaving many of my regular healthy routines by the wayside. I stopped exercising; I ate more takeout; I neglected my daily meditation practice; I didn’t get enough rest. At the time I told myself that these were unique circumstances and I was too busy to keep up my customary habits. What I didn’t realize is that I was doing myself more damage than good by abandoning them, as they would have kept me balanced and calm, as well as stronger and more resilient during the moments of highest stress. As expected, once the move was over, I felt exhausted and strung out, and had no reserves of strength to draw from. Although you should be kind and gentle with yourself during these times of upheaval, it is also important to continue to do the activities that have been buttresses for you in the past. Once you’ve moved, try to return quickly to the patterns and people that have been a support to you.

First Things First . . . Find the Coffee Pot!

Most of us have a natural need to nest. When we find ourselves in new and strange surroundings, we want to mark out our territory. After the moving van pulled out of the parking lot, I looked around at all the chaos and clutter and wondered where on earth to begin. Then I went on a scavenger hunt . . . for the coffee pot. I knew instinctively that a cup of strong coffee the following morning would do wonders for my morale and make me feel more at home. We all have those little “must do” things that help us get acclimated, from putting out a special framed photo to setting up the computer. For me a functioning coffee pot and clean sheets on the bed were non-negotiable items that had to be in place before anything else could be tackled.

Do What Works for You

To some degree your personality will drive how you behave the first couple of weeks you are in your new home. Rest assured there is no “right” way to do this. For some people moving is a far more lengthy procedure, drawn out over weeks and months. For them, exploring the area, meeting new people, beginning a new job, etc. will take first priority. For others like myself creating a livable home and workspace will be more important. I knew I couldn’t begin to socialize and try new things until I felt safe and happy with my own surroundings. Don’t try to rush to do new things until you are ready to them. You may feel a need to get out a lot, or you may feel a need for solitude. Do what you are able to do at your own pace and in your own style. You will need extra rest and sleep during this period. Everything will be novel to you, which can be exciting, but also stressful. Expect to get lost sometimes or for things to go wrong. Try not to sweat the small stuff, even when the toilet overflows at 6:00 in the morning and you can’t find the paper towels!

Stay Connected

Saying goodbye to loved ones can be the hardest aspect of moving. But we are very blessed today with so many more ways to stay connected. It wasn’t so long ago when people who moved away from the neighborhood would never be seen or heard from again. Distances between people are much shorter now, and we have many more technologies—from IMing to texting to Skyping—that allow us to stay connected with the people who mean the most to us. Stay in close touch with your friends and other sources of support during this time. They will buoy you up during those inevitable moments of homesickness and uncertainty.

Make Lists, Start Early

It might sound a bit “Type A-ish” to make lists, but there is nothing more distressing than waking up at 2:00 a.m. with the clutching recognition that you have a hundred things yet to do and there is no more time to do them. From recycling old electronics to signing leases to last-minute appointments with friends, there is a lot to stay on top of, and it’s important to do a little bit each day. Fewer things can go wrong if you are organized and persistent. You might break your list into more manageable categories such as “People,” “Finances,” and “Utilities,” or with titles like “Immediately,” “Before the Move,” and “After the Move.” Some things simply can’t be done before others, and if you try to rush them, chaos will ensue. It also can be helpful to decide what doesn’t have to be done right away so that you can focus on the bigger priorities. Buying new throw pillows for the couch and updating your Netflix account can probably wait!

Maintain Regular Routines

During the weeks before the move I made the mistake of leaving many of my regular healthy routines by the wayside. I stopped exercising; I ate more takeout; I neglected my daily meditation practice; I didn’t get enough rest. At the time I told myself that these were unique circumstances and I was too busy to keep up my customary habits. What I didn’t realize is that I was doing myself more damage than good by abandoning them, as they would have kept me balanced and calm, as well as stronger and more resilient during the moments of highest stress. As expected, once the move was over, I felt exhausted and strung out, and had no reserves of strength to draw from. Although you should be kind and gentle with yourself during these times of upheaval, it is also important to continue to do the activities that have been buttresses for you in the past. Once you’ve moved, try as quickly as you can to return to the patterns and people that have been a support to you.

First Things First . . . Find the Coffee Pot!

Most of us have a natural need to nest. When we find ourselves in new and strange surroundings, we want to mark out our territory. After the moving van pulled out of the parking lot, I looked around at all the chaos and clutter and wondered where on earth to begin. Then I went on a scavenger hunt . . . for the coffee pot. I knew instinctively that a cup of strong coffee the following morning would do wonders for my morale and make me feel more at home. We all have those little “must do” things that help us get acclimated, from putting out a special photo to setting up the computer. For me a functioning coffee pot and clean sheets on the bed were non-negotiable items that had to be in place before anything else could be tackled.

Do What Works for You

To some degree your personality will drive how you behave the first couple of weeks you are in your new home. Rest assured there is no “right” way to do this. For some people moving is a far more lengthy procedure, drawn out over weeks and months. For them, exploring the area, meeting new people, beginning a new job, etc. will take first priority. For others like myself, creating a livable home and workspace was most important. I knew I couldn’t begin to socialize and try new things until I felt safe and happy with my own surroundings. Don’t try to rush to do things until you are ready to them. You may feel a need to get out a lot, or you may feel a need for solitude. Do what you are able to do at your own pace and in your own style. You will need extra rest and sleep during this period. Everything will be new to you, which can be exciting, but also stressful. Expect to get lost sometimes or for things to go wrong. Try not to sweat the small stuff, even when the toilet overflows at 6:00 in the morning and you can’t find the paper towels!

Stay Connected

Saying goodbye to loved ones can be the hardest aspect of moving. But we are very blessed today with so many more ways to stay connected. It wasn’t so long ago when people who moved away from the neighborhood would never be seen or heard from again. Distances between people are much shorter now, and we have many more technologies—from IMing to texting to Skyping—that allow us to stay connected with the people who mean the most to us. Stay in close touch with your friends and other sources of support during this time. They will buoy you up during those inevitable moments of homesickness and uncertainty.

We’ve all known people who start working at the last minute and still produce something brilliant. But for most of us, serial procrastination means rushed effort, done at odd hours, and often under duress. Not surprisingly, procrastinators rarely produce their best work and are often tired, stressed, and frustrated.

Many of us procrastinate because we’re afraid of failing. If we can back ourselves into a corner, then we have a ready-made excuse when things don’t turn out well. It helps to remind ourselves when we’re thinking this way, and to recognize that we should give ourselves our best rather than worst shot at success.

So how does one kick the procrastination habit? One tried and true method is to break the job into smaller, more manageable pieces. Sometimes it’s hard to get started because the task at hand seems so big. When this feeling hits, take the job apart and break it into smaller tasks that are less daunting. Anyone who has trained for a marathon will tell you that 26 miles can seem an impossible challenge until they put together a progressive training regimen based on incremental goals. The right small steps can lead to big achievement.

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Another way to fight procrastination is to reward yourself for finishing the project or even just a piece of it. Treat yourself to that Mocha Frappuccino after you finish the first section of that report for your boss. If it’s a particularly big project, hold out a particularly big reward—like treating yourself to a movie or a concert for finishing on time and to your highest standards. The point is to associate those things that need to be done with the pleasures that help make life enjoyable and fun.

A couple of final procrastination tips . . . reduce the distractions around you, such as the television or email, and prioritize what needs to be done. Many of us fill our To-Do lists with busy work that really isn’t that important. And remember, that “monumental” task you’ve been avoiding is NEVER as difficult as you’ve imagined it to be. Just get started!

For years, doctors have known that vitamin D is important for good health. It promotes the absorption of calcium, making it vital for the maintenance of strong bones, and strengthens the immune system. But only recently have medical researchers seen evidence that it may protect against many of society’s worst maladies. Even though much of this research is still preliminary, the results so far have been striking. For instance, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased risk of heart attack and diabetes.

Some doctors are now calling for people to make sure they get at least 1000 international units (IUs) of the vitamin each day—five times the minimum daily dose currently recommended by the Department of Agriculture for most Americans.

One of the easiest ways to increase vitamin D intake is to sit in the sun. Exposing the skin to the sun’s ultraviolet rays prompts the body to synthesize the vitamin naturally. Although frequent and extensive exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of skin cancer, 15 minutes of sun per day can dramatically increase vitamin D intake. People can also get more vitamin D by taking supplements or by eating more of certain types foods, including eggs and fish, such as salmon and tuna.

According to Wirefly, a recycling web site, “Cell phone circuitry and displays can contain toxic compounds like arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, and lead. The plastic shells of the cell phones have also been treated with brominated flame retardants.” When these cell phones are thrown away, they end up in landfills, and because many of their elements don’t decompose, they can cause great environmental threats, especially as they begin to corrode.

Many people know better than to throw their cell phones away and instead stuff them in drawers or put them into storage. There’s a better way. Many cell phones can be recycled or refurbished. Even phones that are not fully recyclable can be sent to recycling facilities that will dispose of their toxic components.

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There are a variety of ways to recycle your cell phone. Organizations like Earthworks will recycle your phone for you and even pay the postage. And some companies, like Verizon and Apple, offer free cell phone and iPod recycling. Stores like Office Depot have recycling programs for cell phones and rechargeable batteries, and Whole Foods has containers near their elevators where you can drop off your phone on your way back to your car. A simple Google search will help you locate organizations that collect cell phones for various charitable causes. Could it be any easier?

One thing to remember . . . for security reasons, be sure to erase all sensitive data (like phone numbers and contact names) from your phone before you recycle it. ReCellular offers a cell phone data eraser for free. www.ehow.com/how_2003571_erase-cell-phone-data.html