The Five Golden Rules of Goal Setting - Just In Time For Your New Years Resolution!

Every year we all set a New Years Resolution. Here is an article that we found at mindtools.com, that lays out the Five Golden Rules to set yourself up for success!

The Five Golden Rules


Rule #1: Set Goals that Motivate You

When you set goals for yourself, it is important that they motivate you: this means making sure that they are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. If you have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the larger picture, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them happen are slim. Motivation is key to achieving goals.

Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. Without this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to feel a sense of urgency and have an "I must do this" attitude. When you don't have this, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you feeling disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are de-motivating. And you can end up in a very destructive "I can't do anything or be successful at anything" frame of mind.



Tip:

To make sure your goal is motivating, write down why it's valuable and important to you. Ask yourself, "If I were to share my goal with others, what would I tell them to convince them it was a worthwhile goal?" You can use this motivating value statement to help you if you start to doubt yourself or lose confidence in your ability to actually make the goal happen.



Rule #2: Set SMART Goals

You have probably heard of "SMART goals" already. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Time Bound

Set Specific Goals

You goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.

Set Measurable Goals

Include precise amounts, dates, etc in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as "To reduce expenses" how will you know when you have been successful? In one month's time if you have a 1% reduction or in two years' time when you have a 10% reduction? Without a way to measure your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.

Set Attainable Goals

Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.

However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn't have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of goals that require you to "raise the bar" and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.

Set Relevant Goals

Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you'll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you'll fritter your time – and your life – away.

Set Time-Bound Goals

You goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.

Rule #3: Set Goals in Writing

The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write, use the word "will" instead of "would like to" or "might". For example, "I will reduce my operating expenses by 10% this year", not "I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 10% this year." The first goal statement has power and you can "see" yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an excuse if you get sidetracked.



Tip 1:

Frame your goal statement positively. If you want to improve your retention rates say, "I will hold on to all existing employees for the next quarter" rather than "I will reduce employee turnover." The first one is motivating; the second one still has a get-out clause "allowing" you to succeed even if some employees leave.

Tip 2:

If you use a To Do List, make yourself a To Do List template that has your goals at the top of it. If you use an Action Program (see Mind Tools' Make Time for Success! course), then your goals should be at the top of your Project Catalog.)



Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder. You can even post them in the Mind Tools Club forum, and share them with other members for added motivation.

Rule #4: Make an Action Plan

This step is often missed in the process of goal setting. You get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as you complete it, you'll realize that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. This is especially important if your goal is big and demanding, or long-term. Read our article on Action Plans for more on how to do this.

Rule #5: Stick With It!

Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity not just a means to an end. Build in reminders to keep yourself on track, and make regular time-slots available to review your goals. Your end destination may remain quite similar over the long term, but the action plan you set for yourself along the way can change significantly. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high.



Key Points

Goal setting is much more than simply saying you want something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want and understand why you want it the first place, your odds of success are considerably reduced. By following the Five Golden Rules of Goal Setting you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.

So, what will you decide to accomplish today?
 
Make sure to check out the article! http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm

MacIntyre & Cowen Real Estate Newsletter - Fun Holiday Factoids

Figgy pudding" has BACON in it!!!

In the Ukraine, it is customary to use an artificial spider and web as part of the Christmas tree decorations. As a spider web found on Christmas morning is believed to bring good luck.



During a typical U.S. holiday buying season, Visa credit cards are used an average of 5,340 times every minute.



Since the Hebrew calendar is lunar rather than solar, Hanukkah falls on a different day each year, anywhere from November to early January on the standard calendar.



Before electric Christmas tree lights were first invented by Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison in 1882, fir trees were decorated with burning candles. Therefore people didn't usually put up their trees until December 24 because of the risk of fire!



It is estimated that 400,000 people become sick each year from eating holiday leftovers gone bad.



For every real Christmas tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted in its place



Yuletide-named towns in the United States include Santa Claus, located in Arizona and Indiana, Noel in Missouri and Christmas in both Arizona and Florida.



The guttural sound of the Hebrew letters cannot be duplicated by the English alphabet. For this reason, there are many spellings of this holiday in English and all are correct. Hanukkah can be correctly spelled many different ways, including Chanukah, Chanukkah, and Hanukah.



It takes 44 candles all together to observe all the eight nights of the Chanukah festival. The candles used for lighting Hanukah Menorah are supposed to burn for at least half an hour after the stars come out.



In the 1800's the US Postal Service tried to outlaw Christmas Cards because people were sending so many. They were outraged because they had to hire 16 people just to handle the load!







Births on 25 December:



Humphrey Bogart, actor 1899

Alice Cooper, musician (1945)

Princess Alexandra of Kent, (1936)

Annie Lennox, singer 1954

Sissy Spacek, actress 1949

Bernhard Jr, Prince of Netherlands 1969

Helena Christensen, model 1968

Shane McGowan, singer 1957

Anwar el-Sadat, Egyptian president 1918

Tony Martin, singer/ actor 1914

Robert Ripley, Ripley's believe it or not 1893

Conrad Hilton, hotelier 1887

Alfred Kerr, writer 1867

Johann Herbeck, composer 1831

Patrick S Gilmore, composer 1829





Click Link Below December's Market Watch Newsletter:

http://www.lansing.com/peterm/Dec2011.pdf





MacIntyre & Cowen Team

ASSOCIATE BROKER - Re/MAX

517-999-2675

Fax: 877.334.1685

www.pmachomes.com

TIDBITS - Decorating Ideas For Fall

I thought this article would be very helpful now that the Michigan fall weather is arriving. These ideas are from Better Home & Garden. Make sure to check out the whole article to view all their great ideas! .http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/autumn/fall-harvest-decorating-ideas/#page=2

1.  Acorn Napkin Rings -

2. Harvest Corn -

3. Orchard Fruit    

4.  Fall Plant Arrangement      

RE: Tidbits on Great Perrennials for Michigan

Wondering how to keep your drive by appeal looking fresh, and colorful during the chilly fall weather? Below is a list of some great perennials for Michgan.

1. Grape Hyacinth    -
These plants resist cold temperatures, as well as browsers such as deer and rabbits.

2. Blue Mist Spirea  -        
It also doesn't die back completely in the winter. Instead, it produces woody stems that stay partially alive through cold weather.

3. Butterfly Weed   -    It produces bright red, orange or yellow flowers from late spring through late summer.

4. Echinacea   -   

It blooms from late spring through late summer

5. Lavender -    
Like blue mist spirea, its stems stay alive through the winter.

 

MacIntyre & Cowen Real Estate Consultants

2824 E. Grand River, Suite C, Lansing MI 48912
RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals
517-999-2675 office / 517-290-8883 cell
517-999-4061 fax / 1-877-334-1685 efax
http://pmachomes.com/ - Chat Live!
Find us on:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pmachomes
Twitter - PMacHomes

Reduced Home in a Desirable Sub.

Seller is very motivated and looking at all offers.  Don't miss out on this Groesbeck Sub 1.5 story gem.  Newly reduced the seller is very motivated.  Home features 4 beds, 2 full baths and over 1400 square feet.

Check it out at http://pmactours.com/22362



Tidbits: What To Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Your First Home

Below are some very important tidbits that any first time home buyer should know, before they decide to purchase a house.

1. Know your current household budget and lifestyle, to help you decide how much you can afford for a mortgage payment.

2. Determine what your needs are. EXP - Do you want to take care of your lawn and snow removal, or would you prefer a condo that handles the exterior maintenance?

3. All of the costs that a buyer incurs even before owning the home. EXP - property inspection fees, application fees, appraisal fees, etc.

4. On going costs. EXP - utilities, taxes, repairs, homeowners insurance.

5. Finding a REALTOR. It's always great to have a REALTOR that is working for you and your needs. REALTOR's understand the market, and can be very helpful with assisting you in the whole process.

If you believe that you are ready to purchase a house, and/or have any questions. Please call the office at 517-999-2675. Also make sure to check us out our Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pmachomes , and follow us on Twitter @PMacHomes.

Tidbits: Presentation is everything!

Presentation is everything! Here are some very helpful ideas and tips from HGTV's Front Door "How To Make Buyers Bite" Article.

1. A nice entry way - First impressions really are everything. Impress the buyer from the start.
EXP: Repaint the front door

2. Hardwood floors - Have the most durability, and a good hardwood floor will never go out of style. Most buyers are hunting for hardwood floors.

3. State of the art fixtures - Fabulous fixtures to a house, are like diamonds to a woman. They never go out of style.

4. Stainless steel appliances - Who wouldn't want a kitchen like Wolfgang Puck!

5. Grass is greener - Is the grass really greener on the other side -YES! A good drive by appeal is always important.  EXP: Plant a nice flower bush.

Have any more questions, or need any professional advice - Please check out the below website.

http://www.pmachomes.com/sellers.asp

Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.

Dutch Colonial

1. Timeframe: 1650-1750
2. Building Materials: stone or brick walls with cedar siding for the second story, splitwood shingles or tiles roofs
3. Structure: The earliest homes resembled that of the English cottage (single room structures, with steep roofs). However, the Dutch Colonial was stone made with wood shingled roofs. Modifications would be having a brick front facing the street. This was one of the first Row Houses. Adaptations of the basic cottage began around 1700. The roof steep gabled roof was flattened out and flaring eaves were added giving the home a graceful bell-shaped curve. Not only did this overhang add front and rear verandas but it protected the mud mortar entrance and foundation from water runoff. Two section doors were introduce. This allowed for fresh air without allowing barnyard animals entrance to the home.

Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.

Medieval

1. Timeframe: 1635-1735
2. Building Materials: stone foundations, wooden beams, brick and leaded glass
3. Structure: Many of these homes resembled the English Cottage in appearance but as families grew the homes needed to accommodate the added family members. Hence, the addition. Each side was complete with its own tall brick chimney. Dormers were added to the lofts since they functioned as sleeping space. Below the stone foundation a crude mud cellar was dug out. The wood shingled gabled roofs were steep. Two story homes were introduced.

MacFacts 04: Know what to ask your Real Estate Agent

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MacFacts on Facebook Fan Page

Title Tidbits - Principle Residence

Michigan homeowners need to be aware of the law that exists to provide tax savings to anyone who has a home for sale but has purchased another home. You can claim both properties as your Principle Residence and receive Homestead millage. This law went into effect for homeowners in 2008, as relief for Michigan home sellers who have moved and have not been able to sell their home in Michigan.


The law is called PA 96 of 2008, and it is a HUGE tax break for people in Michigan that expands the Principal Residence Exemption on unsold homes. If you live in Michigan, and own a home you are allowed to claim one house for a primary homestead exemption. Non-Homestead Tax millage is 18 mills higher than Homestead, that is approximately 30% higher.

The home must be vacant and on the market for sale. You can claim this exemption by filing a Conditional Recission of Principal Residence Exemption form every year for a maximum of 3 years. Other provisions apply. Contact us for more details.

Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.


The English Cottage

1. Timeframe: 1623-1630. These were the first permanent home of the settlers
2. Building Materials: posts, wood bean frame, thin wall studs and roof rafters, twigs, mud, woven grass
3. Structure: To make the frame, four sturdy posts were spaced evenly out with wood beams notched and pegged together on top. Studs and roof rafters were then notched into the frame. Walls were made of woven twigs and insulated with mud. Hand split and later, pit sawn, wood clapboards were nailed into place. The roof was steep and made of thatched grass or reeds and offered protection from rain and snow. Stone fireplaces, with stick chimneys, were built in these one room structures. Windows were small and few to prevent heat loss. A variation of this home would be using equal sized beams for the entirety of the structure with twigs and mud used for walls. However, the wooden beams were left exposed. This is known as half-timbering.

MacFacts 04: Beat the Banks

Peter MacIntyre feature:

Title Tidbits - Deeds

Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that allows the owner (grantor) of real property to sign over all ownership interest to another party (grantee). The Grantor makes no warranties that the property is free of debt or other ownership. An example of when to use this is when transferring property within a family or in the event of a divorce and one party no longer has interest in the property.

Warranty Deed

A warranty deed assures the grantee that the grantor (owner) does in fact own the property and has full rights to sell it. In this type transaction, with a proper title search performed, it will be known if there are any liens, mortgages, or other claims to the property before closing. This is most typical type of deed, although is not used when purchasing a bank owned property.

Special Warranty Deed

In a special warranty deed the grantor gives ownership of real property with a limited number of assurances. One assurance is that the grantor has in fact received title. The second is that the title was clear of defects while they owned the property. They warrant nothing prior to their taking title. This type of deed is typically used when purchasing a bank owned property.

Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.

The Wigwam

1.  Timeframe:  1600’s

2.  Building Materials:  Bent wood poles and Bark

3.  Structure:  These one room structures, with a opening for smoke, were constructed with bent saplings and bark.  The young trees were buried and bent to make an arched frame.  Birch bark could be layered on top to make a roof.  Cedar bark was then shingled on the sides.

Click Here for a Great Reference Site

Lansing MI Real Estate Referral Grand Prize Winner 2011

Congratulations to our Grand Prize Referral Winner 2010, Juan Mendez. He is the lucky winner of a $750 shopping spree to the store of his choice. Juan referred 2 clients to MacIntyre & Cowen in 2010 that afforded him 2 entries in the annual giveaway.

Again in 2011, you will have the chance to win a fabulous Grand Prize, so please continue to contact us with your referrals or make sure your friends & family mention your name. For every client referred that works with MacIntyre & Cowen, you will be entered in our Annual Referral Drawing. Everyone can be a winner with MacIntyre & Cowen, because if that buyer or seller closes, we will send you out to dinner on us!

Again thank you for all who participated and trusted us with their family & friends' buying and selling needs. The highest compliment you can give us is the referral of your near and dear. You can be assured we will treat them with the same great service and care as we did you.
Here's to a Healthy and Happy 2011,

The MacIntyre & Cowen Selling Team

PMAC Testimonials

We signed a contract with Peter MacIntyre after very disappointing results from a previous real estate company in town. MacIntyre & Cowen had been highly recommended to us and we were confident this was the right choice in the first meeting with Peter! He had the extensive experience in real estate and an attitude that we WILL sell your home. He immediately went into action with his excellent team of professionals in his office, providing a great brochure for our home, advertising in multiple websites and a conscientious follow-up on all leads. What wasn't accomplished in six months with our previous company happened in weeks with MacIntyre & Cowen. We would HIGHLY recommend this team of professionals to everyone! Thank you again, for your commitment and working so hard for us.

Robert & Glenda Hinman
01/12/2011

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Peter,

Thank you for working tirelessly to help sell our home. You and your staff were wonderful, timely and extra helpful thoughout the entire process. We appreciate that you are tech saavy which made it that much easier with our long distance transaction. Your team are true professionals and experts at what they do! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Karen Berry
11/11/2010

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PMAC IS AWESOME!

Dear Eleanor, Peter, and Jill,

Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for helping my parents in Arkansas find the perfect realtor with your referral. They are signing with this afternoon.

You have been a blessing in our lives since we met. Please let me know if I can ever return the favor.

Sincerely,

Wendy Carlson
Licensed Insurance Representative
01/10/2011

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Hello Eleanor,

We wanted to say thank you for all your great work. We are so pleased with the experience with you and your team. You should be proud of your fantastic team. We felt important and listened to and in great hands through the whole process. Thank you again and you will definitely come highly recommended by us!

Happy New Year,

Stacy and Candace Fulayter
12/28/2010

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MacIntrye Team,

Sorry it took me so long to get to this letter...I have been super busy with my frst home! Jill Sherman was great to work with. She was extremely helpful and so much fun to work with through the entire process. I couldn't have asked for someone better. Thank you so much. I LOVE MY HOME!!!

Kelly Fallot
10/15/2010

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PMAC Team,

Kim Henderson was amazing and the 100% perfect person for us to work with. She really took the time to learn about us and our needs and desires. She never had to reference a folder about us, though I know she kept one. She was so good she could remember everything about us, including the little mundane personal facts. It was a perfect experience in someone really getting to know us to make our first home exactly what we wanted. If this wasn't enough - she also made time for us and worked around our schedule no matter how busy she was. She also was extremely knowledgeable. I couldn't ask for more in a Realtor. She is one of the most honest, straight forward people I have met. Kim will take the time to be sure you find your dream home. We were extremely impressed and thankful to have such a wonderful home buying experience and we know it is because of Kim.

Thank you,

The Hermans
09/23/2010

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