Goals

"There is no achievement without goals." Robert J. McKaine

Goals, Not the kind where you kick a ball into a net then go sliding on your knees, are important to make, important to achieve and will boost your confidence.
Goals tell you where you are going, how you are going to get there and what you will do when you get there.
First, you need to know what you want. This is no time to be vague. Give yourself a reasonable deadline. Write it down on paper. What is your plan of attack? How will you get where you want to be?
Your goals don't have to be huge!! Start off small, make smaller goals that will lead up to you bigger one. A common mistake is to set your goal too high. It then becomes stressful and dissapointing when you struggle to make it. When you make smaller goals set times and dates to achieve them.. Or else procrastination may happen. With each small goal accomplished you will feel better and eager to continue.
You need to stay positive !!! Example: Instead of thinking about the possibility of not working out today, tell yourself that even 20 minutes of working out is a step to your goal.
It's ok to have several goals because let's face it, there are many aspects of you. You may want to be more healthy, or possibly earn more money, or be a better parent or all three!! But you need to work on each goal separately.
We all have fears of failure, which causes a lot of people to not even try. In reality we should be afraid of not trying. When you set small reasonable goals they will be obtainable!!!

It's important to write your goals down!!! Put it where you can see it everyday. Start forming a routine of how you are going to meet your goals. Seeing them on paper is so much more effective then just thinking about them. That paper becomes a contract
You also need to think about your goals throughout the day.
If your trying to lose weight when you pass by that pastry shop you need to ask yourself " is this cannoli helping me reach my goal?"
It's important to like your goal.. Think about it picture yourself skinnier, wealthier or whatever your goal is. Think big!! Visualize it. Become it !

Goals are going to be tough at first, until you get used to them and develop yourself to embrace them. Setting goals and some hard work will get you where you want to be.
So plan ahead .. So you can get ahead !!

Bad Ass Red Velvet Pancakes

One thing you have to love about Facebook & Twitter is all the sharing that goes on. Some share ideas, workouts, fitness advice, even recipes. Brandon @twofastwheels , shared his Bad Ass Red Velvet Pancake recipe with us. Can't wait to try it

PANCAKES:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon red food coloring
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
KICK-ASS CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups powdered sugar
1/ 2 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons prepared strong coffee
1 teaspoon rum
Directions:
• Pre-heat skillet or griddle over medium heat or 320°
• Mix all of the dry ingredients (flour through salt) together in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to combine until all lumps are gone.
• In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk mixture. Stir until mostly combined. Add in the melted butter and fold gently to mix.
• Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with cream cheese topping.
• To Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: In medium bowl, whip softened cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix smooth. Add a scoop between each pancake and on top of the Red Velvet Pancakes! Garnish with powdered sugar and enjoy!