Sydney Carey Spoon

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2010

Success is a family affair for Faith Lutheran High School senior Sydney Spoon, a bright, caring daughter and sister who shows that apples from the same tree don’t fall too far from one another. Though this is undoubtedly true in many ways, Sydney has her own achievements to be proud of, exemplifying that nothing compares to the singular commitment of a highly motivated individual. Driven not by selfish motivations or personal gain, she puts her ability and academia to the test on a daily basis, always aiming to do right by herself, her loved ones and faith, which makes Sydney Spoon – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.1

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Varsity Soccer, 2007-10
• Varsity Track & Field, 2007-08/2010
• Club Soccer, 2007-09
• Vocal Ensemble, 2010
• Choir, 2007-10
• Second Soprano Section Leader, 2007-08
• Applied Christianity, 2009-10
• Piano Lessons, 2007-10
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• National Honor Society Historian, 2008-09; Secretary, 2009-10
• National Junior Honor Society, 2006-07
• Key Club, 2007-10
• Peer Ministry, 2007-10

Awards/Community Service:

• Scholar Athlete, 2009-10
• Wendy Heisman State Finalist, 2010
• League Offensive Player of the Year, 2009
• All-State Player of the Year, 2009
• First Team Southern League, 2008-10
• First Team All-State, 2009
• Regional Soccer Champions, 2007-10
• Soccer State Runner-Up, 2009
• Second Team Southern League, 2008
• New Student Guide, 2007-10
• Lip Sync Coordinator, 2007-10
• Student Senator, 2009
• Opportunity Village Volunteer
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Catholic Charities Volunteer
• Salvation Army Food Drive
• Operation Christmas Child
• Middle School Soccer Coach
• Peer Tutor

Goals & Aspirations: “I look forward to attending a university that will prepare me for my career in sports medicine/physical therapy and nutrition. Helping athletes strive to be all they can be will help fulfill my goal to serve others.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being a state finalist for the high school Wendy Heisman Award. It feels good to be acknowledged for my success in sports, academics, leadership and community service.”

Sydney is Successful Because: “My faith in Christ and endless determination helps me to succeed along with the love and support from my family.”

Sydney Looks Up To: “My sister Jordan has been a great role model to me. She has a positive outlook on life and gives me endless support in all I do. My sister provides me with infinite laughs and smiles.”

Kylee Elexis Slee

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2010

In every way, Palo Verde High School valedictorian candidate Kylee Slee has found her voice. With all the cool sophistication and elegance of, say, a striking operatic performer, she devotes every aria and diaphragmatic exhale to the passion of her music. And yet, with every step Kylee takes toward stardom, she challenges herself to hit higher notes than ever before while still being an example and leader to her peers. For this, Kylee Slee is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.8

Sports/Music/Activities:

• Junior Varsity Soccer, 2006-07
• Swim Team, 2007-08
• PVHS Concert Choir, 2006-10
• PVHS Vocal Infinity Varsity Choir, 2008-10
• PVHS Madrigals, 2006-08; Alto Section Leader, 2007-08
• PVHS Production 100 Years of Broadway–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2008
• PVHS Production A Tribute to Gershwin–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2009
• PVHS Production A Night at the Opera–Guest Soloist with Orchestra, 2008
• Nevada Music Educators Association All-State Honor Choir, 2007-09
• CCSD High School Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• CCSD High School Jazz Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• Bear Valley Music Festival, L’Elisir d’Amore–Chorus Member, 2009
• Tennis Channel Open (ESPN)–National Anthem Soloist, 2008
• International House of Blues Foundation, Blues Schoolhouse–Guest Soloist, 2008

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• National Merit Scholarship Competition–Finalist, 2009-10
• National Hispanic Recognition Program–Scholar, 2009
• National Society of High School Scholars–Ambassador, 2008-10
• Scholastic Art and Writing Competition–Silver Key, 2010
• Clark County Y-Write High School Poetry Contest–Third Place, 2008
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Swimming, 2007-08
• PVHS English Student of the Month, 2008
• PVHS Spanish and Math Student of the Month, 2007
• UNLV Future Scholar Award, 2006-08
• UNLV Top Hispanic Scholar Award, 2008/09
• LV Music Teachers Nat’l Assoc (MTNA) Jazz Festival–Superior with Excellence Rating, 2009
• MTNA Senior Performance Voice Competition–Alternate Finalist, 2008
• CCSD Solo & Ensemble Festival–Superior Rating, 2006-10
• NATS High School Musical Theatre Division–2^nd Place, 2007-10
• NATS Classical Junior & Senior Division–1^st Place, 2009-10
• NATS Classical Freshman & Sophomore Division–2^nd Place, 2007
• Project TEAM Volunteer, 2009-10
• Toys for Tots & Homeless Veterans of America Volunteer, 2008-09
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Volunteer Performance, 2006-09
• Peer Tutoring, 2006-10

Goals & Aspirations: “After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance, I plan on applying to a Master’s program to get a degree in both vocal performance and pedagogy. I would like to retire at a ripe old age with my name being known around the world as an amazing performer and teacher.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my candidacy for valedictorian, National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar, being named Soprano One Section Leader for two years at both the Regional and All-State Honor Choirs, and for my performance in a professional opera production.” 

Kylee is Stronger and Wiser Because: “The summer after my freshman year, I blew out my knee playing soccer. I decided to turn my attention to music.  With this newly-formed passion, my knowledge of the subject increased greatly, and I realized that I could not live without it. If I had never blown out my knee, I would have never found out what I was truly passionate about.”

Alyse Kurley

Durango High School

Class of 2010

To be or not to be isn’t a question for Durango High School senior Alyse Kurley. To be the best she can be, now that’s more like it. She’s proud of her accomplishments and rightly so; she’s made them by combining creativity, smarts and determination with a keen awareness of the daily struggles teens and adults must sometimes overcome. Theatrically and personally, she’s brightened by a spotlight all her own, not for fame or glory, but for the love of art and sharing with others. That’s just the kind of unique star quality that makes Alyse Kurley – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.631

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Varsity Tennis, 2006-10
• JV Swimming, 2006-07
• Varsity Dance Divas, 2007-10
• DHS Theatre, 2006-10
• Cast Member–10 DHS Productions
• Starring Role–DHS Production of Cinderella ’89, 2007/08
• Starring Role–DHS Production of A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, 2008/09
• Starring Role–DHS Production of Alice in Wonderland, 2009/10
• Costume Design–3 DHS Productions
• Drama Club Vice President, 2009/10
• S.T.A.T.U.S. Club, 2006-09
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• Principal’s Advisory Committee, 2007-09

Awards/Community Service:

• Athlete of the Month, 2009
• Student of the Month, 2007/09
• Scholar Athlete, 2006-10
• Theatre & Dance Letters, 2009
• Academic Letter, 2007
• 4-Year Varsity Tennis Letter, 2009
• Best Freshman–DHS Theatre, 2006/07
• Best Actress–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
• Best Couple on Stage–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
• Race for the Cure, 2006-08
• Aids Walk, 2006/07
• School Clean Up Service, 2009
• Nevada Reading Week Volunteer Reader, 2007
• Tennis Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U.) Volunteer, 2006-07

Goals & Aspirations: “My major goal is to graduate high school with high honors. In the future I hope to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and continue on to medical school. I would also like to continue dancing and acting in the future. I feel that the performing arts are extremely important, and I would like to inspire future generations to get involved in the arts as much as possible.”

Alyse is Successful Because: “I feel that my drive and passion for any goal that I set for myself make me successful.”

Alyse Looks Up To: “I most of all look up to my parents. Without them pushing me to do my best, I do not feel I would be the same person today. They have taught me to work hard, reach for my dreams, and to never give up when times get rough.”

Highway to the Funny Zone…

And Laughin’ All the Way

By Lisha Ross

At times like these, who couldn’t use a good laugh? Then again, who wants to cough up a Benjamin plus for two tickets and a couple cocktails on a casual night out? Affordable comedy wasn’t always this scarce. Cliff Lawrence, a 30-year veteran of the funny scene, remembers the good ol’ days of Vegas comedy. Back when Strip variety shows gave entertainers of all kinds a stage on which to perform their chuckle-worthy antics. Oh but thank the gods of laughter, the shabby chic comedy scene may be on life support but it isn’t completely dead! No matter the occasion, girls night out, birthday, hot date, whatever, here are some great ways to cackle at a rotating line-up of “almost famous” comedians or stand up and deliver yourself, without going broke in the process.

The Club Scene

When the lights go down at Bonkerz, a voice booms over the PA system to welcome you to the ‘shimmering jewel’ of Vegas. It”s the first well-timed joke of the evening. The venue is more evocative of a Manhattan comedy lounge than a Vegas showroom, old school and shockingly smoke-free. The tightly packed chairs are huddled around pizza-sized cocktail tables. There’s a distinct clientele, mostly retirees taking a break from the nickel slots. Heckled by the opening act, a spunky, white-haired lady in the front row admits to smoking Pall Malls, but she emphatically says no to booze and drugs. A tough crowd for a nervous comedian with marijuana jokes on deck. He stumbles awkwardly toward some good jokes, which in itself is amusing to watch, and is followed by the headliner for that evening, Ron Shock, who brought many in the room to tears with colorful language and a fistful of terrific anecdotes.

Whether you go to Bonkerz ($29.95/21 and over), The Comedy Stop at Sahara ($19.95/18 and over), The Improv at Harrah’s ($29.05/18 and over) or the Riviera Comedy Club ($24.99/18 and over), the formula is roughly the same; only the seating is different. The jester-like MC warms up the crowd, a “wet behind the ears” comedian opens, and the experienced headliner, who more often than not has been seen on HBO, Comedy Central, The Late, Late Show or all of the above, finishes the evening. Yes, it’s true, these comedians can be hit and miss, but it’s the ambiance, the mixed nuts in the audience, the funny ups and the clumsy downs that make this laughable comedic opera an excellent choice for a night on the town.

On Being Funny

So you think you’re funny? Perhaps you just need a nudge in the right direction. Take a four-week class at Bonkerz (www.bonkerzcomedy.com) with the aforementioned Cliff Lawrence. Can you start from scratch without a funny bone in your body? Probably not, but if you think you have the funny gene, Cliff can help you structure your act, write jokes, learn how to open, how to handle hecklers and all kinds of other need to know details. The class culminates in a graduation performance; you make a small audience go bonkerz with your own stand-up routine.

Are you funnier with friends? Improvisation is a great way to make being funny a group effort, and you can learn that, too, at Improv Vegas (6320 S. Decatur/www.Improv-Vegas.com), a unique local school offering 6-week improv classes, as well as sketch-comedy writing classes. The way it works is, a group of improvisers join up on stage, ask the audience for a word or phrase, incorporate that word or phrase into completely impromptu scenarios, and hilarity ensues. The great part about learning improv is that it’s not just for people who want to make a career out of being funny. Improvisation, sometimes used by businesses for communication and team building exercises, helps participants learn to stay focused on the moment, improve listening and public speaking skills, get over shyness, think on the spot, and just plain have a good time.

Onyx Theatre

Every Monday night from 8-10 p.m., students from Improv Vegas showcase their skills at the Onyx Theatre (953 E. Sahara Ave.), followed by a more experienced guest group. Don’t let the location scare you. Yes, it is located next to a swinger’s club and under an “adult” shop, but if you can appreciate a bit of rockabilly/beatnik edginess, it really is an enjoyable experience, and it’s only $8! It’s a tiny, intimate theatre replete with concessions like freshly popped popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a lounge area with over-stuffed leopard print couches and old Hollywood photos on the walls. More engagingly, the lively and boisterous energy of the audience is contagious. Our experience started out slow, as the first group was made up of beginners, but it quickly snowballed into an avalanche of laughter, with “The Apple Sisters”–three hilarious females–showing us just how spectacularly fun improv can be.

Stagedoor Theatre

Not crazy about visiting Commercial Center? Hit up the Stage Door Theatre at Town Square on Friday and Saturday nights at 10:30 for Free Beer! The Improv Show, where short-form improv antics (think Who’s Line is it Anyway?) take the shape of a frat boy rivalry. Tickets are just $20 and include your first bottled beer, glass of wine or soft drink. All You Can Improv, hosted by a Free Beer! fraternity member every Thursday night at 10:30 p.m., is another opportunity for you to get in on the action. Anybody can join the fun onstage, or even participate by calling out ideas from the audience.

So the next time you find yourself asking your date, BFF, or yourself, what can we do tonight that’s fun AND cheap, head to your nearest comedy club for a dose of the best medicine. It’s great for the soul, I promise.

The E Bunny is Back

The E Bunny is back! He’s continuing a 20 year hop along to bring hope, joy and renewal to children and teens in need by distributing Easter baskets to those who may not have received one otherwise. There’s just one bit of eggshell in the mix this year; due to the flagging economy, he’s faced with a new challenge–collecting enough baskets to make a significant difference in the lives of our valley’s underprivileged youth.

In 2009, E Bunny delivered more than 2750 Easter baskets to homeless children in temporary housing and some of the poorest areas in Las Vegas. E Bunny 2010 may need reinforcements. Statistics show there are more than five thousand homeless children and teens in our city at any given time. Now more than ever, E Bunny is relying on the spirit of community to reach as many kids as possible.

You can help by joining the “One Special Basket for One Special Child” program and donating a basket by March 26, 2010.  It’s easy! All you need do is purchase a pre-packaged Easter basket (they do not accept monetary contributions), take it to an E Bunny drop off location which can be found at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/ebunny, and encourage your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to do it too! Join a community that cares for kids and help make a difference in a child’s life!

The BYO Burger…Grind Burger Bar and Lounge

By Aly Wagonseller

When questioning the originality of the newest build-your-own burger craze, I found myself reminiscing of a place I used to frequent in the mid 1980s called Flakey Jake’s. A casual little burger and beer joint, Flakey’s was famous for their juicy burgers and a big ol’ do it yourself salad bar of fixins. Toppings consisted of garden variety chili, processed cheese slices, tin flavored olives and jalapeños, and pretty much anything else that was thrifty, yet managed to compliment a hamburger patty. There was nary an inkling of impending gourmet flair, yet even back then, the place was packed with diners that craved something a little more “their way” than the clown or king could offer.

Fast forward to now, a time when even a simple hamburger is expected to delight, ala five star status, and it’s really no wonder that the craze for building your own burger has suddenly reemerged, albeit with a serious price tag. Enter Grind Burger Bar and Lounge, a polished little place that brings back the casual, good time memories of Flakey Jake’s, but with a burger that’s anything but tin can average.

Brought to us by restaurateur Mark DiMartino, Grind has been creating quite a stir for not only their food, but their playfully inventive mascot, Juicy Lucy.  Apparently, a naked cartoon woman that’s labeled for butchering like a steer (think rump, round, loin…you get the picture) and donned on everything from skimpy tees to key chains is offending people. Really?  Hooters is kicking themselves that they didn’t think of the idea first, driving home the point that shock sells and can’t be taken too seriously, especially in this hell bent economy.

The menu is an offering of appetizers, potatoes and burgers with accompaniments that run the gamut from typical to not so norm.  Armed with a clipboard, menu and pencil, we chose Thai Calamari (9.50) and Onion Strings (5.00) as appies.  I liked the calamari; it wasn’t overcooked and the sauce had a sweet little tang, but beware of the tempura lime garnish–it packs an unexpected pucker punch.  Fried onions were crispy, not greasy and served with a mild cayenne pepper ranch dressing that could have used a little more kick.  They also have three styles of fries (4-5.00), including a delicious sweet potato version that I would highly recommend, as well as a chopped salad (8.50) that could serve as a meal in itself. Portion sizes were more than ample for splitting.

Next on the list are burger choices.  You have four to choose from, a juicy ground chuck version, nicely seasoned turkey or chicken burgers, or a house made meatless variety.  They all start at nine bucks…a bit pricey, especially since the fries aren’t included, but hey, this is gourmet, right?  You also have options for choosing buns (the ciabatta was outstanding); cheese that included bleu and pepper jack (+.75); typical toppings like lettuce, tomato and marinated mushrooms (two are included, +.75 for extras); condiments that included several innovative mayonnaise concoctions with the likes of basil and sun dried tomato or ajvar, a roasted red bell pepper and eggplant spread (two included, +.75 for extras); and some heavy hitting premium toppings like fried eggs, applewood smoked bacon, and Napa cabbage 3 pepper slaw (+1.50).

It’s easy to go overboard, but in reality, you can create a very she-she burger for around 12 bucks; still a bit golden for some, but for those that take their specialty burger seriously, cheaper than comparables located on the Strip.  I chose the regular beef version; it had a delicate texture and was quite juicy and flavorful, perfect for the ciabatta bun which soaked in the savory flavors.  Aged cheddar, the wonderfully smokey bacon, mushrooms and the ajvar mayo took this baby over the top.  Sure, I could have added the egg, which would have been sublime, but too much of a good thing can be bad, so I’ll have to save it for next trip.

Grind really is a very nice place to have a superb burger, a beer or glass of wine, or a specialty drink that’s offered in both the restaurant as well as the separate bar area that’s fitted with requisite gaming and flat screen TVs.  And although Flakey Jake’s may have been the father of the BYO burger concept, Grind has certainly added some serious gourmet flair. Grind is located at 360 E. Tropicana.

Christmas Can Cure

Christmas Can Cure

Thousands upon thousands of men and women have been deployed to Iraq over the past several years. Many of those that return face new battles at home. “The wars of the last six years have left our country with over 35,000 wounded veterans. For these warriors and their families, returning to civilian life and coping with their disabilities has many challenges,” said Andre Carrier of Christmas Can Cure. “For many, the mental and physical strain only gets worse around the holidays.”

That is why the Carrier Family created the nonprofit Christmas Can Cure (CCC) in 2008. The organization seeks to give military families in need the opportunity to experience a perfect Christmas by treating selected families to a joyous celebration with a hero’s welcome. Teaming up with another nonprofit called the Wounded Warrior Project, CCC’s goal is to reenergize and renew the spirit of Christmas while providing a vehicle for grateful citizens to show their thanks to the men and women who’ve served our country.

On December 12th, 2009, CCC held a 5K run and 1-mile walk at Paseo Verde Park in Henderson, during which veterans and others participated to raise awareness of the organization’s mission. Shortly after the race, Andre Carrier and his long-time friend Greg Lee, a Vegas resident, spearheaded tandem Christmas events for warriors and their families in Park City, Utah and Jackson, New Hampshire.

“By doing our part in giving back to our warriors on military-related holidays, we hope to put a name, a face and a story to our vets’ incredible contribution,” said Lee. For more information on Christmas Can Cure, visit www.christmascancure.org.

Paint the Village Purple

So you’ve probably heard the phrase “to think pink” in relation to breast cancer. Well this year, with January’s Paint the Village Purple event, the American Cancer Society gave those affected by cancer and their supporters an opportunity to start 2010 on the good foot and add another color to their spectrum of awareness.

Paint the Village Purple brought families to MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas for a fun day of activities in support of a great cause. In addition to ice skating, shopping and dining specials and special prize giveaways, visitors were given the opportunity to donate to, and learn how to pre-register for, the annual Relay for Life event that will be held April 24, 2010 at Palo Verde High School.

Relay for Life is a fundraising event that gives communities across the world a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember lost loved ones and fight back against the disease. During this 24-hour event, relay teams will camp out on Palo’s field while at least one member of their team is walking or running on the track at any given time. If you missed your chance to paint the village purple, visit www.relayforlife.org to learn how you can participate in the fun, family Relay for Life.

CSN Foundation

Making a Difference

CSN Foundation

The College of Southern Nevada Foundation is always looking for fun, new ways to bring funding to programs at CSN. “Extra-curricular activities provide students with an outlet to meet new people, provide practical application to what they’ve learned in their classes and generally feel engaged with their college or university,” said Jacque Matthews of the CSN Foundation. “Being able to offer potential and current students a wide array of programs and services, a nationally known baseball team, scholarship opportunities and more is a big reason why CSN is the fourth largest two-year college of its kind in the United States.”

To fulfill their mission, the foundation found a winner in 2008 with the inaugural Golf Classic, featuring celebrity MLB players Greg Maddux, Aaron Rowan, James Shields, Mike Dunn and Reed Johnson. After much success and positive feedback, the CSN Foundation decided to plan the 2nd annual event in November of 2009 at the Dragon Ridge Country Club. With a line up that included all the same celebrity players as the first event, plus Steve Garvey of LA Dodger fame, this 2nd annual event was another great success and a celebration of CSN’s already nationally recognized baseball team. Proceeds benefited CSN athletics programs, which must be funded primarily with private donations.

CSN Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to managing and disbursing private funds for the growth and improvement of higher education in our city. For more information, call 651-7301.

Beating the Odds…Setting Goals You’ll Actually Accomplish

By Michelle Vessel

Whether it’s a new year, your birthday, the first of the month, or even just another Monday, most of us know what it’s like to be bound and determined to make a positive change in our lives. The bad news? According to one study recently published in Psychology Today, the vast majority of these well-intentioned self-improvement campaigns wind up falling flat. Nearly one-quarter of those who set goals abandon their efforts within a week, 40% give up after a month and 60% have fallen off the wagon by the 6-month mark. Two years down the road, more than 80% of those who set out to make a change have failed. While the statistics might be discouraging, there are still a small percentage of people who do successfully turn over a new leaf. You could be one of them; it just takes careful re-evaluation of goals and a plan.

Goals that are Doomed

Most people–and even some self-help experts–chalk up the abysmal failure rate for resolutions to a simple lack of willpower. You probably could have lost the 20 pounds you vowed to…if only you didn’t have to pass that pastry shop on your way to work everyday, right? Not exactly. Recent studies about motivation and behavioral change suggest that it is often the kind of goals we set, rather than how we pursue them that ultimately determines our success or failure. In other words, the reason why you weren’t able to ditch your diet soda habit last year may not have been the irresistible siren song of the vending machine; the problem may have been the way you formulated your goal.

According to psychologist and life coach Caroline Miller, many of those who make a serious effort to change their lives ultimately falter because they set the wrong kind of goals. The worst culprits? Goals that are vague, open-ended, overly broad, unrealistic, negative, or that focus on being something rather than doing something are all more likely to result in failure, Miller says.

SMARTer Goals

So how can you steer clear of this all-too-common pitfall and create goals that are designed to set you on a course for success? Believe it or not, one of the most popular models for setting well-designed goals is borrowed from the world of business. In a now-famous 1981 article published in the journal Management Review, a group of professors proposed the SMART system as a method that companies could use to establish realistic targets for improvement.

In the years since it was first introduced, this concept has come to be applied in many different fields, including self-help and personal growth. You can use these guidelines to create SMART goals that will actually support your efforts to affect positive change in your life.

Specific. The more detail your goal contains, the closer it is to being a workable plan of action. For example, rather than vowing vaguely to lose weight, aim for something more concrete, such as exercising at least four times each week or eliminating junk food.

Measurable.  Whenever possible, opt for goals that can be counted or measured in a specific way, such as reading 20 books in the next year, or turning off the television after one hour. This approach makes it much easier to gauge your success and fine-tune your approach.

Attainable. One surefire way to set yourself up for failure is to aim too high. Rather than vowing to compose and publish a great American novel in the next six months, begin with a less daunting step, such as taking a community college course in short-story writing.

Relevant. Set goals that mesh well with your overall sense of yourself and your larger purpose in life. For example, if you want to get involved in volunteering, seek out a role that relates to your career skill set or an issue you care deeply about, rather than just falling into the first opportunity that comes down the pike.

Time-Bound. One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll achieve your goal is to impose a hard-and-fast deadline. If you plan to train for your first 5k race this year, register for an event in your area, circle the date on your calendar and lace up those running shoes before you can talk yourself out of it.

Now What?

You’ve spent some time brainstorming and soul-searching to figure out what it is you really want to accomplish and then you applied the SMART framework to translate your dreams into workable goals. What’s next? According to the experts, the single most important factor that will determine whether you’ll stick with your self-improvement efforts over the long haul is whether you can maintain a degree of momentum and forward motion. The best way to do this is to create structures and routines that will help you incorporate the goal into your every day life, even when the going gets tough. Here are a few ideas to help you parlay your aspiration into a lasting lifestyle change:

•    Keep a journal. Buy an attractive notebook, diary or daily planner and use it to track your daily work toward your goal. Being able to check your progress at a glance is a great way to build momentum.

•    Tell your friends. Use social media tools like Facebook or Twitter to let your friends and family members in on your efforts. Post status updates when you make a breakthrough, or even when you’re having a hard time. The support you’re sure to find can be enough to help pull you through a rough patch.

•    Reward yourself. In the early stages of planning, set up a system of rewards to reinforce your hard work and celebrate your progress. As you reach each milestone on the path to your goal, honor your achievement with treats and indulgences like a day at the spa, a girls’ night out, or an outfit from your favorite store.

•    Make a mental movie. Experts say that one of the most powerful motivational tools you have at your disposal is visualization. Spend some time imagining in great detail how you will look, feel and act when you achieve your goal. Create a short scene that you can replay again and again in your mind when the path towards your goal gets rocky.

•    Don’t forget to make a backup plan. As we all know, even the best-laid plans often veer off-track. In order to ensure that a temporary setback doesn’t cause you to throw in the towel, a contingency plan is a must. For example, if your goal to use the elliptical machine for half an hour every day is foiled by an injury or illness, turn to gentle yoga while you recover.

Setting a goal and taking concrete steps to succeed at it may be one of the toughest–and most gratifying–things you’ll ever do. Even when life gets in the way and your motivation hits rock-bottom, you’ll be much more likely to see your self-improvement efforts through to the finish line if you have a structured plan in place. Armed with these tools and tips, you’ll be able to stake out and stay on the path to lasting change in the weeks and months ahead.