Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 May 2002 — Page 7

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

6 qualities every goal should have

By HERBERT HARRIS

COMMENTARY

Choose the goals which will lead you to your vision, in accord with your lifestyle, the things you are good at, and the things which you enjoy doing. Each goal should have certain important qualities that give you the best opportunity to accomplish it. Here are qualities every goal should have: (1) It should be written, committed to, and shared. Writing your goals helps you crystallize exactly what you want to accomplish. Write each goal in one or two sentences. If it takes you an entire page to write your goal, chances are that you will not be able to attain it. A short, simple, concise goal statement is easier to think about, remember, and act on. Once you have written your goal statement, read it aloud at least three times per day. Think about it constantly. You must be committed to accomplishing each goal. Make a binding agreement with yourself that nothing and no one will stop you from attaining

your goal. Give your time, efforts, expertise, resources, and anything else necessary to accomplish your goal. Share your goal with someone special who understands and believes in what you are doing. Stay away from anyone who will discourage or criticize you. Be sure that the people with whom you share your goals won’t be jealous or envious. They should have important goals of their own to accomplish, and be well on their way. to accomplishing them. Remember that the purpose of sharing your goals is to establish accountability, and to obtain cooperation, assistance and encouragement. (2) It should be realistic and attainable. One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for failure is to select improper goals. No goal is impossible, but it may be unrealistic at your particular state of development at a given time. Make sure that your goals are realistic and attainable for you.

based on where you are right now. (3) It should be flexible and reflect change. Your goal is a statement and projection of your vision. However, as you begin to pursue your goal, external conditions and circumstances, which are beyond your control, may appear. Potentially, these things could prevent you from attaining your goal. When this interference occurs, do not become discouraged or.abandon your goal. Make the necessary changes and modifications to your goal, or to the manner of pursuing it. That will neutralize the condition or circumstance that is blocking your way. (4) It should be concrete and measurable. Your goal must be definite and specific. Clearly define it in terms of your senses: How does it look, feel, smell, taste and sound. See your goal in terms of size, color, location, movement and any other characteristic or property which can be perceived

by the senses. If your goal is not concrete and clearly defined, you will probably not be able to attain it. Your goal is the outcome desired, as a result of your organized efforts. When the desired outcome — your goal — is unclear, then the energy and activities necessary to produce that outcome cannot be focused or directed effectively. Your goal must be measurable to determine its dimensions. When a goal is measurable, you have a standard by which you can analyze it and estimate completion. If it is not measurable, it is extremely difficult to project when you will attain it, how far you have to go, or how much energy it will take. (5) It should be extended to cover certain time periods. You must set a definite time period in which to accomplish your goal. A definite time period gives you a standard, by which to measure and regulate your performance. Take special care in establish-

ing a proper time for accomplishing your goal. This time period should be realistic in light of your particular level of skill, the time and resources you have available, time constraints of the goal itself, and benchmarks of past performance by yourself and others. (6) It should be set in advance. Your goal is a destination, the desired outcome of your endeavors. If it is not set in advance, then you cannot make plans, nor take effective steps to attain it. When you set your goal in advance, you give a particular orientation to your life, and bring focus to your energy and to your thoughts. Based on The Golden 12: Universal Rules for Achieving Success, a book by Herbert Harris, (Marlowe & Co.), available at Barnes & Noble and most local and online bookstores, or by calling (800) 788-3123. Call (800) 775-0712, ext. 8140 for a free 12 Affirmation Poster. Email: [email protected].

BRIEFS Continued from A1 tributions (Public Employees Retirement Fund), and Social Security and Medicare contributions, which were not substantiated by her attendance reports. During a portion of the time, Turner was ineligible to receive overtime. Joyce Lester, a clerk supervised by Turner, received $39,571.18 in overtime payments. The state is also seeking treble damages in the amount of $555,013.62. The lawsuit was filed in Marion County Court. Transportation planners seek input The May 21 Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting will feature a discussion of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Public Information/Involvement Program. The purpose of this program is to solicit and facilitate informed public participation in the regional transportation planning process for which the MPO is primarily responsible. The CAC meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in Room 107 of the CityCounty Building.

Defensive stocks can add diversity to a mutual fund

(NAPSI) — Being defensive isn’t always a bad thing—particularly when it comes to mutual funds. When used to describe stocks, the term defensive usually refers to companies that perform in a steady manner, no matter what the economy is doing. The kinds of companies usually represented in this sector include food, power, water and gas, among others. A mutual fund, for example, that has had success by focusing on these kinds of stocks is the Federated Market Opportunity Fund from Federated Investors, Inc. Fund managers Steven J. Lehman and John L. Nichol believe that in the current economy and for the foreseeable future, “defensive” sectors will benefit from renewed investor interest in attractively priced, reduced-risk stocks in the coming years. The fund derives its income potential from dividend-paying stocks that have maintained their value, even in down markets. This is supplemented by income from convertible securities and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Typically, the fund will hold between 75 to 85 stocks from across the capitalization spectrum. In general, this mid-cap equity fund with $175.3 million in assets (as of March 31, 2002) is thought to be appropriate for investors who prefer a defensi ve approach to capitalizing on growth potential within the U.S. economy and those who seek a high degree of income from their equity portfolios. Lehman, a self-described contrarian and opportunist, selects undervalued and seemingly unpalatable stocks for the fund. He fol-

IAC Continued from A1 outdoor pavilion. The New Harlem Renaissance Jazz Concert and the Hampton Family Jazz Concert will feature Slide Hampton, Pharez, and other regional and national icons of jazz. On Thursday, May 16, an Evening Gala will be held and proceeds from the evening gala will benefit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The gala will include the exhibition, jazz by the Pharez Whitted Ensemble, art auction, and reception. Guests will also receive the exhibition catalog. For detailed information about all of the program events, visit www.artists4a.com or www.nurfc.org. or call the New Harlem Renaissance information line 227-7416. Sponsors of the program events include The Reimbursement Group Inc. of Indianapolis, Radio One of Indianapolis and Stuart Moving and Storage of Indianapolis.

lows the risk vs. return mantra: When stock prices are expensive, risks are high, returns are low, and vice versa. The fund holds virtually no technology since the portfolio managers aim to preserve and enhance investor capital — no matter what the market environment. “The most rewarding part of managing money is finding stocks before the competition uncovers them,” says Lehman, adding, “Getting there first is very satisfying.” Founded in 1955, Federated Investors Inc. has grown to become one of the nation’s largest invest-

ment managers. It offers investors a choice of 135 mutual funds and manages approximately $180 billion in assets. To learn more about Federated Market Opportunity Fund, ask for a prospectus containing more complete information from your investment professional or call Federated at 1-800-341-7400. Please read it carefully before investing. Federated funds are distributed by Federated Securities Corp. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Visit the Web site at www.federatedinvestors.com or call for current fund performance.

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