As I mentioned a couple of days ago on the blog, my husband and I are trying to save some money by committing to eat at home more than we ever have before. That is what is prompting the food recipes that you’ll likely start seeing here on my site.

One thing that is pretty inexpensive to cook is chicken. And, we have a wide variety of things that we use chicken with. Chicken and yellow rice, chicken fajitas, chicken salad… I could go on all day.

Today I want to share this recipe for easy oven roasted chicken. Once you have a base recipe, the possibilities of what you could do with it are endless. You could tweak the sauce a bajillion different ways to pair it with any number of side dishes, or just eat the stuff as is because it’s so packed with flavor, you might be tempted to…

Here’s how to make it:

This post may contain affiliate links that provides this blog with a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Easy Oven Roasted Chicken

What You Will Need:

•  About 2 pounds of assorted chicken cuts. Use thigh, wings and drumsticks for best flavor.
• Brine solution: 2 cups water, 1 heaped tablespoon rock salt, 1/3 cup brown sugar
• Roast rub: 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, 3 tablespoons paprika , 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup bacon drippings or plain olive oil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes for extra heat.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken and the ingredients for the brine mixture first.
2. Combine brine solution ingredients and mix thoroughly until all the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour over the washed up and cut chicken pieces, and let stand in the refrigerator for an hour up to overnight.
3.  Once the chicken has spent some time in the brine solution and you are ready to roast it, gather the ingredients for the roast rub.
4. Drain the chicken and place it in a big bowl or container. Pour the roast rub ingredients into this bowl or container.
5. Massage the roast rub mix unto the chicken until all pieces are coated. Transfer to a roasting dish or pan, taking care to place the chicken pieces skin side down.
6. Pour the extra roast rub mixture over the chicken and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
7.  Take out of the oven and flip the chicken pieces so that the skin side is now up. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
8. Perfectly roasted! Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, a salad, or just on its own! This dish is even better the following day. Just make sure to save the drippings for gravy or something to coat the chicken with if reheating. This recipe is good for 5-6 people.

 

I’ve been getting into personal development more than ever. I’m in love with all things woo, and teachings on how to make your life one of your dreams. One of the teachings that has been coming up a lot in my life is to consider what the version of your dream self would look like. Predictably, my dream self relies on being pretty financially secure, so I’ve started to take on board the advice that Teach Me Personal Finance lays out, in the hope that if I integrate some of it into my day to day routine I might start to see my finances grow. But money isn’t everything and there are plenty of aspects of my dream self’s life that I could start prioritizing now. So, in this post, I’m going to explore that for a moment.

As I earn six figures profit annually, this is what my life looks like:

• Six figure Ashley has two amazing full time virtual assistant working for me managing everything from social media to customer service, as well as contractors when necessary so that I can focus on my zone of genius.
• Six figure Ashley earns passive income thanks to amazing sales funnels that I’ve set up to sell my eBooks and courses.
• I have the ability to purchase, decorate and rent out properties which I’ve heard some people who do similar things find through websites like Roofstock this allows me to boost my monthly passive income and provide housing to people. How it will be passive is I’ll purchase and decorate the properties, and then hire a rental management company to handle all the actual rental stuff.
• As a six figure earner, I outsource my grocery shopping, laundry and housework. It doesn’t cost much extra to have a company like instacart do my grocery shopping, my laundry can be sent out pretty cheap, and I found an awesome gal to do the light housework.
• Six figure Ashley has a meal plan for every day of the year. I don’t want to waste time deciding on what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and meal plans help take out the guesswork. Not only do I have a meal plan, I often will even have my meals prepared and delivered to me, or I’ll use a meal delivery kit like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron.
• Six figure Ashley also uses a personal trainer at least once a week, and has a fabulous gym membership. I work out regularly not for looks, but to maintain good health and high energy.
• I create content often. I love creating and teaching, so I do it frequently. I also take breaks when needed so I can refill my creative juices.
• Six figure Ashley has frequent date nights and days with my husband. I love going out to eat with him, and thoroughly enjoy movies, shows and other entertainment.
• I enjoy amazing, deep relationships with my closest friends, and we regularly get together to jam on all things business and life, but also to just cut up and have a fun time. Hello girls nights!
• I have two cars – one for me, and one for my husband. They aren’t brand spankin new, and that’s okay. They are both very comfortable, and run like a dream with little maintenance required. I regularly have the car washed and vacuumed so it always feels new and clean.
• Six figure Ashley has a nice, and modest home. I’ve never liked the idea of living in a home that is too big for my family. So, I have the perfect size for my husband, my dogs, and me. There is also a spare room for guests if we have them, but it could easily be turned into a baby’s room when we decide to expand our family.
• Six figure Ashley gets weekly massages, and regularly enjoys manicures and pedicures as well as facials. This pampering rejuvenates me, and recharges my batteries so I can keep giving to my world.
• I regularly get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and I spend time meditating, journaling, and taking care of myself.
• I travel 3-6 months out of the year, and am able to continue working while on my travels thanks to my online business. And, my team helps me keep the daily stuff going while I’m away so that if I don’t want to work one day or even one week, everything will keep running smoothly without me.
• Six figure Ashley has products that help people. My books, courses, and digital products aid my clients in making their own businesses better so they too can make more money, and live their best lives.

Have you ever explored your dream version of yourself?

I encourage you to let your mind wander. Open a fresh document in your favorite word processor, or open to a new page in your journal and just explore what the dream version of you would look like. Would you be different? Think about how you would feel, and what your relationships, finances, health, daily life and more would look like.

Not only is this a fun exercise, it opens your mind up to what you truly want out of life. Then, once you start figuring out what your dream life actually looks like, you can start moving things, and making shifts to bring that dream version of yourself into your reality.

My hubby and I are doing our best to eat in for all of 2019. This is in large part due to the fact we have a huge trip to Europe planned this year. Regardless of that fact, it’s always nice to save some dough!

Ha! See what I did there? This is a pizza post, and I said “save some dough!” I crack myself up…but I digress.

This pizza is wonderful whether you want to keep yourself from ordering takeout, or if you are watching your caloric intake. This caprese pizza with whole wheat tortilla crust will save the day. It’s cheap, waist friendly, and can be put together in minutes and tastes delicious. 

Here’s how to make it:

This post may contain affiliate links that provides this blog with a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

What You Will Need:

• 1/3 to ½ cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce (can use tomato puree)

• 1 10-12 inch whole wheat flour tortilla (may use regular tortilla)

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (1 teaspoon if using fresh leaves)

• Some basil leaves

• 3-4 ounces of mozzarella cheese

• Ground black pepper (to taste)

• Dried red pepper flakes (optional)

Pizza Time!

1. Bring all the ingredients together. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Make your own no-cook pizza sauce by combining the marinara, tomato sauce, tomato puree, ground black pepper, red chili flakes and oregano leaves together.

3. Spread the sauce over the top of the whole wheat tortilla. Layer in some basil leaves and crumble/shred the mozzarella on top.

4. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the tortilla’s edges have crisped up and the cheese has melted. You’ll want to watch this closely so you don’t end up with a burnt pizza!

5. You may drizzle in some olive oil if you want, but this pizza with a twist is good as it is.

6. Enjoy this simplified pizza!

I love me some affirmations! Like BIG LOVE me some affirmations y’all! Sometimes you just need a good pick me up when the day feels like it’s gone to crap.

That’s why I’m sooooo excited to share this list of 365 positive affirmations with you. There is an affirmation for every day of the year. Or, if you just need to pump yourself up, read a bunch of them in one sitting.

You’ll notice these affirmations are broken down by category. If you’re struggling with something specific you need a boost in positive thinking for, scroll on down and get to reading babe!

I’m cheering you on from here. Whatever this day has brought you, I believe in you. You got this! Big virtual hugs my bloggy friends!!!

Related: Also check out 44 Positive Affirmations for Depression to Inspire Change from e-counseling.com

Confidence-Self-Esteem – Positive Affirmations

1. I grow more confident and stronger each day.
2. I am the architect of my life. I design its structure.
3. I build my life’s foundation and choose its contents.
4. I love myself and feel great about myself.
5. I accept myself unconditionally.
6. I see problems as interesting challenges.
7. I radiate confidence.
8. I thrive on challenges that bring out the best in me.
9. I have confidence in my abilities and skills.
10. I make sound decisions.
11. I am bold and courageous.
12. I face difficulty with courage.
13. I am worthy of happiness and love.
14. I am optimistic about the future.
15. The future holds all kinds of pleasant surprises.
16. I trust in my ability to create a fabulous future.
17. I let go of worries and replace them with excitement and optimism.
18. I have all it takes to make my dreams a reality.
19. I am a kind and unique person with a lot to offer.
20. I enjoy my own company as I get in touch with my true self.
21. I rejuvenate every part of my being with the help of solitude.
22. I am at peace and happy when I’m alone.
23. I brighten another person’s day by doing something with them.
24. My intuition and wisdom guide me in the right direction.
25. I have faith in myself to make the best decision possible.
26. I have confidence in my decisions.
27. I make decisions that always lead to something positive, in time.
28. I consider how my decisions affect others to make responsible choices.
29. I practice my skills each day to attain greatness.
30. I believe in my ability to overcome setbacks.
31. I replace negative criticism with encouraging statements.
32. Even my “flaws” have good and helpful aspects.
33. I always do my best because it helps me grow.
34. I feel the love of those who are not physically with me.
35. I take pleasure in my own solitude.
36. I love and approve of myself.
37. I focus on breathing to ground myself.
38. Following my intuition and my heart keeps me safe and sound.
39. I make the right choices every time.
40. I draw from my inner strength and light.
41. I trust myself to be honest with myself and others.
42. I am a unique child of this world.
43. I am an inspiration to others.
44. I matter and what I have to offer also matters.
45. I trust my inner wisdom and intuition.
46. I breathe in calmness and breathe out nervousness.
47. This situation works out for my highest good.
48. Wonderful things unfold before me.
49. I forgive myself for things I have done in the past.
50. I let go of my anger so I can see clearly.
51. I accept responsibility for the consequences of my anger.
52. I replace my anger with understanding and compassion.
53. I offer a heart-felt apology to those affected by my anger.
54. I know my wisdom guides me to the right decision.
55. I trust myself to make the best decision for me.
56. I receive all feedback with appreciation.
57. I listen lovingly to this inner conflict and reflect on it until I find peace about it.
58. I love my family even if they do not understand me completely.
59. I show my family I love them in verbal and non-verbal ways.
60. I am paired with this family because we are well matched.
61. I choose to see my family as a gift.
62. I am a better person because of my hardships and achievements.
63. I refuse to give past events power over my present or future.
64. I embrace the rhythm and the flow of my own heart.
65. All that I need comes to me at the right time and place in this life.
66. I am delighted with who I am.
67. I am much more than adequate; I’m phenomenal!
68. I give up the habit of criticizing myself.
69. I develop the mindset to praise myself.
70. I fully approve of who I am, even as I better myself.
71. I am a good person at all times of the day and night.
72. When I breath, I inhale confidence and exhale doubt.
73. I love meeting new people and approach them with confidence and interest.
74. I live in the present and am confident of the future.
75. My personality exudes confidence because I am bold and outgoing.
76. I am self-reliant, creative, and persistent in everything I do.
77. I am energetic, enthusiastic, and confidence is my second nature.
78. I am a problem-solver and always find the best solution.
79. I love change and easily adapt to new situations.
80. I am well groomed, healthy, and full of confidence.
81. My outer self matches my inner well-being.
82. I thrive on self-confidence, which chips away at all my doubts.
83. I focus only on the good in others.
84. I attract positive, confident people because I am one of them.
85. I approve of myself and love myself completely.
86. I feel good about the direction of my life and being me.
87. My inner wisdom is my best guide.
88. I have integrity, am reliable, and true to my word.
89. I act from a place of personal security.
90. I accept that I am worthy of great things in life.
91. I choose to be proud of myself.
92. I find deep inner peace within myself.
93. I fill my mind with positive, nourishing thoughts.
94. My confidence, self-esteem, and inner wisdom increase each day.
95. I choose not to compare myself to others because we are all different.
96. I compare myself only to my highest self.
97. My life, experiences, beliefs, and actions inspire and benefit others.
98. I am happy in my own skin and in my own circumstances.
99. I see myself as a gift to people in my community and nation.
100. I am safe and sound. All is well.
101. Everything works out for my highest good.
102. There is an important reason that this is unfolding now.
103. I have the intelligence and the ability to get through this.
104. I can solve my problems through my diligence.
105. I follow my dreams no matter what.
106. I am patient when helping loved ones understand my dreams.
107. I ask my loved ones to support my efforts.
108. I answer questions about my goals without getting defensive.
109. I am loved even when people don’t share my dreams.
110. I accept everyone as they are and continue to pursue my dreams.

Related: Turn Your Dreams Into Workable Plans

Relationships and Love – Positive Affirmations

111. My partner is coming into my life sooner than I expect.
112. My heart is always open.
113. I am surrounded by love.
114. I love unconditionally and without hesitation.
115. I am loved and appreciated by those around me.
116. Love and appreciation follow me everywhere I go.
117. Love, forgiveness, and understanding are the foundation of my relationships.
118. I give and receive love in equal measures.
119. I accept my partner unconditionally.
120. I am treasured for who I really am.
121. My relationship is becoming stronger, deeper, and more loving.
122. My friendships are meaningful, supportive, and rewarding.
123. My friends love me for who I am.
124. I have long-lasting friendships because I accept others, unconditionally.
125. I attract positive people, who become life-long friends.
126. I surround myself with friends who care about me and treat me well.
127. I can tell the difference between fair-weather friends and true friends.
128. I surround myself with people who treat me well.
129. I take the time to show my friends that I care about them.
130. My friends do not judge me.
131. I take great pleasure in my friends and our differences.
132. I feel relaxed and comfortable around other people.
133. I enjoy meeting new people and initiate conversations.
134. I am outgoing and enrich other people’s lives.
135. I’m excited about the amazing people I meet today.
136. I’m easy to talk to and make others feel at ease.
137. I take comfort in the fact that I can always leave a situation.
138. I am amazed by the creativity of the people I meet.
139. The company of strangers teaches me more about myself.
140. I radiate love and others reflect love back to me.
141. I am loving and lovable.
142. My romantic relationship is healthy, long lasting, and full of love.
143. My partner is kind, compassionate, and understanding.
144. My marriage grows stronger, deeper, and more stable each day.
145. I am with my soulmate and we share a life full of love.
146. Life is full of love and I find it everywhere I go.
147. My relationship is divine and we are perfectly matched.
148. My partner and I have a deep understanding.
149. Forgiveness and compassion are the foundation of my romantic relationship.
150. It is easy for me to look in the mirror and say, “I love you.”
151. My words are always kind and loving.
152. I receive kindness and love multiple times a day.
153. Every day of my life is filled with love.
154. My communication with my partner is loving and kind.
155. Everything about me is lovable and worthy of love.
156. I am a loving, kind person who deserves true love.
157. I wake up every morning filled with joy.
158. I face each day with the support and love of my partner.
159. All of my relationships are based on mutual love and compassion.
160. My partner and I share a deep and powerful love.
161. I respect and admire my partner and see the best in him/her.
162. I love my partner exactly how he/she is and enjoy his/her unique qualities.
163. My partner and I share emotional intimacy via talk and touch.
164. I have healthy boundaries with my partner.
165. My partner and I have fun together.
166. My partner and I find new ways to enjoy time together.
167. My partner and I resolve conflict peacefully and respectfully.
168. I am able to be completely authentic in my love relationship.
169. I communicate my desires and needs clearly and confidently with my partner.
170. I want the best for my partner and support him/her.

Related: I HIGHLY recommend the book “Heal Your Life” (aff link)

Prosperity and Abundance – Positive Affirmations

171. I am surrounded by abundance.
172. I attract money effortlessly and easily.
173. I continuously discover new avenues of income.
174. I am open to all the wealth life has to offer.
175. I use money to better other people’s lives.
176. I attract lucrative opportunities to create money.
177. I see abundance everywhere.
178. I am more and more prosperous every day.
179. My life is full of prosperity.
180. I deserve abundance and prosperity.
181. I am a money magnet, attracting wealth and abundance.
182. I instantly manifest my desires.
183. I manage my money wisely.
184. I’m eager and willing to share abundant gifts and blessings.
185. I am sometimes meant to deliver a gift/blessing rather than keep it.
186. I always have whatever I need.
187. I am destined to find prosperity in everything I do.
188. I am thankful for the abundance I have in my life.
189. My gratitude and appreciation attracts abundance of every kind.
190. I maintain my wealth so I can help others.
191. I enjoy my prosperity, and share it freely with the world.
192. I am responsible for being a good steward of the abundance and wealth provided.
193. I rejoice for others who are prosperous and share the abundance.
194. I pay bills before they are due to share the wealth with the company’s employees.
195. Today is the future I created yesterday. Tomorrow will be even better!

Health – Positive Affirmations

196. I am healthy, energetic, and optimistic.
197. Every day I get healthier and more fit.
198. I care for my body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
199. I exercise regularly to strengthen my body.
200. My body vibrates with energy and health.
201. I am completely pain free and my body is energized.
202. I nourish my body with healthy foods.
203. My body systems function perfectly.
204. My body is healing, and I feel better every day.
205. I enjoy exercising and strengthening my muscles.
206. I release stress in my body with every exhaled breath.
207. I send love and healing to every organ of my body.
208. I breathe deeply, exercise regularly, and feed my body nutritious food.
209. I pay attention to what my body needs for health and vitality.
210. I sleep soundly and peacefully.
211. I am surrounded by people who encourage and support healthy choices.
212. My immune system is strong and deals with any bacteria, germs, or viruses.
213. My body, mind, and soul work together efficiently to keep me healthy.
214. I love everything about my body.
215. I appreciate my body’s unique traits.
216. I am thankful for the shape of my body.
217. My body is beautiful and appealing.
218. I stay up to date about my health issues.
219. I take care of my body and exercise every day.
220. My body is healthy and full of energy.
221. I am very grateful I am at this weight.
222. I crave healthy, nutritious foods.
223. I love the taste of fruits and vegetables.
224. I appreciate every cell in my body.
225. People find me sexy and desirable.
226. I am filled with excitement when I look in the mirror.
227. I am grateful for my life force and energy.
228. Everything I think, say, and do makes me healthier.
229. I crave new, healthy experiences.

Work and Career – Positive Affirmations

230. My job adds satisfaction and fulfillment to my life.
231. My career provides me the right opportunities to grow.
232. I am valued and appreciated at my workplace.
233. I perform my duties with the greatest diligence and attention.
234. My work has a profound impact on this world.
235. I enjoy and find my work fulfilling.
236. I play a big role in my own career success.
237. I engage in work that inspires others in my profession.
238. I believe in my ability to change the world with the work that I do.
239. My work/business makes a profound difference in this world.
240. I am building a successful business.
241. I create value with my services.
242. My business is a gift to this world.
243. I am better businessman/businesswoman because of my mistakes.
244. I further my career with every action I take.
245. I have my dream job.
246. I love every day that I work.
247. My career brings me closer to my family.
248. My job brings me financial abundance.
249. My coworkers love being around me.
250. My boss values the work I do.
251. I am a valued employee.
252. My clients appreciate and value my work.
253. I attract new clients every day.
254. My positive attitude, confidence, and good work attract new opportunities.
255. I am enthusiastic and excited about my work.
256. My enthusiasm about my job is contagious.
257. My workplace is peaceful and full of praise.
258. I speak positively about my coworkers.
259. My coworkers speaking positively about me.
260. I am rewarded for doing my best.

Motivation-Encouragement- Positive Affirmations

261. Every choice I make leads to bigger and better opportunities.
262. I find something positive about every situation.
263. I find optimistic ways of dealing with difficulties.
264. I find ways to praise others and offer helpful suggestions.
265. I find the best solutions to problems by listening and learning from others.
266. I gain valuable insights from today’s experiences.
267. Today, I make a commitment to give others what I want to receive.
268. I use strategies that motivate me to move forward.
269. I look at things from multiple perspectives to see the big picture.
270. I choose to participate fully in my day.
271. I take a mini-break from the problem to let my subconscious find the answer.
272. I seek a new way of thinking about this situation.
273. My answer is before me, as I look carefully at the details.
274. I believe in my ability to find and navigate the path that’s right for me.
275. I release my need to have the approval of others.
276. I gain joy, fulfillment, and happiness from this day.
277. I have all it takes to make this day productive.
278. I face difficulties with courage and determination.
279. I am excited to see today’s blessings revealed.
280. New and exciting opportunities manifest in my life continually.
281. I always find ways to get back on track.
282. I choose to free myself from all negativity that hampers my progress.
283. I am in control of my life.
284. I believe in my ability to gain valuable insights from this situation.
285. I have faith in my ability to pursue my dreams no matter what.
286. My family and friends support me, even if they don’t share my dreams.
287. I help others to accomplish their dreams.
288. I have compassion when others don’t understand my dreams.
289. I have all the support and help I need.
290. I am successful in whatever I do.
291. I can become successful in life using lessons from mistakes.
292. I am successful because I leave no stone unturned.
293. I attract success.
294. I pursue success that is personalized specifically for me.
295. I know what motivates me best and use it to my advantage.
296. I remind myself why I want to achieve my goal, so I don’t give up.
297. I press on because I believe my path will prepare me for success.
298. It is always too early to give up on my goals.

Peace and Happiness – Positive Affirmations

299. My most important goal is to be at peace, regardless of the situation.
300. I make a conscious choice to be happy.
301. My body is relaxed. My mind is calm. My soul is at peace.
302. I feel joy and contentment in this moment.
303. I awaken feeling happy and enthusiastic about life.
304. I can tap into a wellspring of inner happiness anytime I wish.
305. I inspire myself and others to be happy by modeling how to do it.
306. I have fun in all of my endeavors, even the most mundane.
307. I look at the world around me and can’t help but smile and feel joy.
308. I find joy and pleasure in the simple things of life.
309. I have an active sense of humor and love to laugh with others.
310. My heart is overflowing with joy.
311. I am brimming with energy that lifts my spirits throughout the day.
312. I rest peacefully and soundly, knowing all is well in my world.
313. I focus on the details of the present moment.
314. I am focused and engaged in the current task.
315. I am grateful for this moment, which enriches my life.
316. I observe my thoughts and actions without judging them.
317. I participate fully in all of my relationships.
318. I make even everyday events memorable, happy occasions.
319. I accept and embrace all experiences, even unpleasant ones.
320. I observe my emotions without getting attached to them.
321. I meditate easily without resistance or anxiety.
322. I release the past and live fully in the present moment.
323. I stay calm in frustrating situations.
324. I forgive myself and others.
325. I am at peace with my past, present, and future.
326. Compassion and understanding help me to overcome anger and gain peace.
327. My intuition and inner wisdom guide me in every situation
328. I inhale deeply and let peace and happiness fill my mind and body.
329. I am responsible for my own happiness, so I’ve got this covered.
330. I feel wonderfully peaceful and relaxed.
331. I let go of everything that worries me to make room for peace and happiness.
332. My mind is at peace and all tension has left my body.
333. I am able to fall into a deep and relaxing sleep.
334. I am so relaxed I am ready to fall asleep.
335. I breathe deeply and close my eyes to find that peaceful sleep is only a few blinks away.
336. I release my mind of thought until the morning.
337. I embrace the peace and quiet of the night.
338. I sleep soundly, deeply, and beautifully into this night.
339. I let go of worries that drain my energy.
340. I make smart, calculated plans for my future.
341. I am in complete charge of planning for my future.
342. I trust in my ability to provide for my family and their happiness.
343. I feel calmness and confidence wash over me with every deep breath I take.
344. Every day I am more peaceful and happy than the day before.
345. My calm and relaxed state energizes my whole being.
346. All the muscles in my body relax.
347. All negativity and stress evaporate from my body and my mind.
348. I breath in relaxation and breath out stress.
349. I remain calm and centered, even when there is chaos around me.
350. I have a calm inner peace that fills my mind and body.
351. I rise above stress of any kind and live in peace.
352. I am calm, happy, content, and at peace.
353. My world is a peaceful, loving, and joy-filled place to live.
354. I sow the seeds of peace wherever I go.
355. I do my best to model ways to maintain a peaceful, happy life.
356. I surround myself with peaceful people.
357. My work environment is calm and peaceful.
358. My home is a peaceful sanctuary where I feel safe and happy.
359. In all that I say and do, I choose peace.
360. I release past anger and hurts, replacing it with serenity and peaceful thoughts.
361. I envision peace descending around me like a protective cloak.
362. I project peaceful thoughts and feelings into the world and beyond.
363. I respond peacefully in all situations.
364. I forgive those who harmed me and peacefully detach from them.
365. I choose to be happy, regardless of what the world or others want.

Happy New Year! If you’re like me, you likely created a bunch of goals that you’d like to accomplish this year. But, are you setting goals in a way that you can actually achieve them? Or are you setting yourself up for failure? Read on to learn how to set powerful goals you can achieve!

In order to set powerful goals that are achievable, take some time to research the dreams you have to find out if they’re even doable. You do want to challenge yourself some, but you don’t want to make the goals so hard that you experience only defeat. To ensure maximum success, make sure that your goals meet the following criteria:

Your Goals Should Match Your Core Values

The more any goal fits into one of the four main areas of life – Family, Financial, Physical or Personal – the more likely you are to be able to set a realistic goal that you can achieve. If a goal for some reason doesn’t fit into one of your core values, it’s not likely you’ll experience much success.

You Must Be 100 Percent in Control

While goals that rely on others aren’t wrong, they are harder to achieve. Any goal that you control 100 percent is a goal that you can reach. Do ensure that you’re not letting fear get in your way or blaming fate for your failures, though. Self-limiting beliefs can get in your way on this one. Be realistic about whether you do have control or not and give yourself more credit. For example if you think you do not have control over your financial future because “that’s just how it is,” you are mistaken and need to eliminate this line of thinking.

Related: How You Can Turn a Dream Into a Workable Plan

You Must Be Able to Envision the Goal

If you can’t see the end result, it will be very difficult to move forward toward achieving the goal. If you need to draw a picture, make a vision board, or take a day out to fantasize about your big dreams and see how they all fit together in the big picture of your life, do so. You need to see the end to be able to truly achieve it.

Your Goals Should Be Spelled Out Specifically

Every goal you make needs to be very specific in nature. If you really want to be sure to reach the goal, you have to know when you reached it. Instead of saying “I want to start a business,” state exactly what type of business you want to start, who you want to be your clients, and other information that makes the goal more concrete.

Your Goals Need To Be Measurable

At which point have you achieved the goal? If you can’t give a number or something that is measureable, then you won’t have a real goal. If you want to use the business example, you might include that you want to earn x amount of dollars each week by a certain date and then how and why you are going to do it.

Each Goal Should Be Actionable

To achieve any goal there has to be steps that you can take to get there. Like using a map to reach a destination that you want to go to on vacation, you need to draw a map to your vision of success with the steps and paths you’ll take along the way. Put not only what but when, and how you’ll accomplish the step.

Related: 4 Productivity Tips Savvy Entrepreneur Swear By For Making the Most of Your Time 

Sorry Not Sorry – Your Goals MUST Be Realistic

You don’t want to write a goal that is too hard to achieve or worse, impossible. Be sure that it’s scientifically possible to do it by researching everything realistically. For example, you’re not likely going to start a business today and earn six figures by tomorrow or even the first year in business. Look at the research and determine what is doable and how you’ll do it.

Your Goals Need To Be Timely

Every goal has to have a time limit otherwise you may never achieve it. Start with the end and work your way back to today, creating the list of things to do each day to finally reach the end result. But, do set a time limit. You can adjust as you get into the project if it works to be more realistic, but resist the urge to change the time because you’re not sticking to your task lists.

If you use this method to create powerful goals that you can achieve, you will not experience a lot of failure because you can always adjust your time line and your goals as you learn more. The important thing is to give each goal a lot of thought, consideration and study before setting it.