Switch It Up: Majors That Will Actually Make You Some Money

You've planned it all out perfectly: attend the school of your dreams, major in the one field that you know is right for you, and then graduate with that well-paying job that will be waiting for you on graduation day. It’s your future, 2.0, and you’re determined to make it happen.

Then you find yourself three years into school, a seasoned student, majoring in a field that yup–you guessed it–won’t pay the bills. You’ve heard Sallie Mae horror stories, and you don’t want to end up one of those college graduates ducking and dodging the student loan collectors once that grace period is up. So, while you still have a chance, it’s time to revise that plan of yours. If there’s anything you’ll learn in college, it’s how to be practical, and let’s be real–you’ll practically kill yourself if you have to move back in with your parents after graduation.

Lucky for you, it isn’t too late to switch to a field that you know will have a job waiting for you with a decent salary once you graduate. (Note: I’m talking to those of you still in undergrad. For all you recent grads, well, I feel you.) These select fields are always hiring, welcoming all you proactive undergrads who are eager to do almost anything (yes, even switching majors at the last minute!) for a paycheck that’ll keep you off of mom’s couch after graduation. Here’s a list of 6 fields (and their average salaries) for you to consider when the near-graduation jitters begin.

Here are a few to consider:
~Engineer: $66,000: Whether you choose to focus on computers, environment, systems or mechanics, you’ll be happy to know that all engineer positions are well-paying (and therefore, well worth the extra year of studying!) Plus, considering how quickly things are advancing right now, there’s always opportunity for engineers.

~Economics: $65,000: There’s also so much you can do with this major. Whether you’re a loan specialist, foreign affairs officer, or simply an economist, the decent salary will at least make the Sallie Mae horror stories seem a little less scary.

~Finance: $57,000 Okay, you’ve got to be good with numbers for this one (that counts me out!), but if that whole “banks imploding and execs still getting their $10,000,000 bonuses” thing is any indicator, this is where the money’s at.

~Biochemistry: $59,000 Um, yeah. Not sure if you noticed but that’s TWO sciences smashed into one so you better have one hell of a study tactic to take on this field. Lots of options are available to you under this major, though. You can do it!

~Accounting: $51,000 Listen, someone’s gotta do your taxes. Why not learn how to do them yourself? And then charge people lots of money to do theirs, too?

~Marketing: $63,000 Learn how to persuade others to spend their money on the product you represent. That sounds lucrative, eh?

Obviously it’s important to follow your passion when you are choosing your major, but who knows? Maybe you could find a new passion that pays.

Things Every Girl Should Know

Being a damsel in distress isn’t cute. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who can’t get anything done by themselves. Even Superman gets sick of dealing with Lois Lane’s problems day in and day out.

It’s time to man up, ladies, and empower yourselves to live life without the aid of Prince Charming. Not only does this make our lives a whole lot easier (hello, do you really want to wait around for someone to jump-start your car?), but sometimes it’s safer to take matters into our own hands (instead of asking some rando to do it for us).

Here’s a rundown of the 10 things every woman must know how to do. Watch, learn and take pride in the fact that you are in total control of your destiny.

Change a tire: Being your own mechanic isn’t necessarily a manly thing. Whipping out that wrench and jackcan save yourself some time, money and can even keep you safer. Sure, when I was forced to fix a flat I looked ridiculous – kneeling on the side of I-295 in my skirt-suit and patent stilettos – but it took me 20 minutes, saved me some big-time embarrassment and allowed me to still be on time to my interview. Don’t forget those hand wipes though; grease could be an outfit-ender.

Make a Roast: I’m not trying to say you have to become Suzie Homemaker, but learning some basic cooking techniques can’t do anything but help you out in the long run. You don’t want to end up like my good friend who cooked a knife right with the chicken (even if, according to her, plastic peels off of pans easily). Being able to feed yourself, no matter how rudimentary it may seem, is certainly a skill that’s worth it to perfect.

Rock a pair of killer heels: Maybe its one of my personal pet peeves, but I cannot STAND to see those girls who insist on wearing Spice Girl era platform heels and can’t even walk into a party without looking trashy/twisting their ankle/sighing and taking them off. A hot pair of heels is a must-have for any college wardrobe, but they’re worthless if you don’t know how to walk in them. So here’s the deal: first, buy good heels. Not only will they last you, but they will make a difference on your feet. Secondly, watch this. (And if you live on a giant campus like me, bring flip flops or some roll-up flats for the walk home.)

Use a power-drill: I ran into a huge predicament at the beginning of this school year. New apartment + newly framed pictures + stubborn drywall = failure. I needed some major electronic help, and it happened to come in the way a rugby player armed with a power drill. I’m a stubborn person who never likes to admit I need help, so in my embarrassment, I watched and learned intently and vowed to be able to be a little more DIY in the future. Whether it’s fixing that wobbly chair in the kitchen or mounting a corkboard above your desk, it’ll always come in handy.

Have an effective workout: Everybody wants the perfect body: slim legs, flat abs, great butt; the whole package. No matter how much you run or ellipticize, there are only a few things that will actually be effective. Make every minute of that painful gym experience count!

Basic self-defense: Channel your inner ninja. I’m not saying you have to carry a concealed machete with you everywhere you go (because that would never fit in your clutch), but making sure that you’re ready in case something ever happens is the best thing you can do.  When it comes to your safety, you can never be too prepared.

Create a great first impression: There’s only one first time and for most of us, this isn’t a good thing. Thankfully, somebody has got it down to a science and is here to help the rest of us mortals out.

Remove a hard stain: There’s nothing that ruins a good day more than knocking your sushi on the floor. Except knocking the soy sauce, too. On to your shirt… and all over your pants. Not only is it embarrassing to have a giant brown spill down the front of you, it could quickly become a permanent fixture on your favorite shirt. I’m all about the dry cleaning, but for when you can’t afford some professional help just take a quick gander at this and save yourself some green (and some embarrassment) down the road.

Jump start a car: We’ve all been to the epic tailgate where someone’s pickup is blaring Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and everyone’s having a great time. Truth is, the entire time everyone’s jamming to their favorite pre-game tunes, the battery of the car is quickly draining. It’s easy for a battery to drain, and even easier for it to leave you stranded. Here are some quick pointers on how to avoid this unwanted situation and deal if it comes up.

And there you have it. Take some time to learn these things and you won’t need a man for anything. Well, almost anything.

THINGS EVERY GIRL NEEDS TO KNOW!

Being a damsel in distress isn’t cute. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who can’t get anything done by themselves. Even Superman gets sick of dealing with Lois Lane’s problems day in and day out.

It’s time to man up, ladies, and empower yourselves to live life without the aid of Prince Charming. Not only does this make our lives a whole lot easier (hello, do you really want to wait around for someone to jump-start your car?), but sometimes it’s safer to take matters into our own hands (instead of asking some rando to do it for us).

Here’s a rundown of a few things every woman must know how to do. Watch, learn and take pride in the fact that you are in total control of your destiny.

Change a tire: Being your own mechanic isn’t necessarily a manly thing. Whipping out that wrench and jackcan save yourself some time, money and can even keep you safer. Sure, when I was forced to fix a flat I looked ridiculous – kneeling on the side of I-295 in my skirt-suit and patent stilettos – but it took me 20 minutes, saved me some big-time embarrassment and allowed me to still be on time to my interview. Don’t forget those hand wipes though; grease could be an outfit-ender.

Make a Roast: I’m not trying to say you have to become Suzie Homemaker, but learning some basic cooking techniques can’t do anything but help you out in the long run. You don’t want to end up like my good friend who cooked a knife right with the chicken (even if, according to her, plastic peels off of pans easily). Being able to feed yourself, no matter how rudimentary it may seem, is certainly a skill that’s worth it to perfect.

Rock a pair of killer heels: Maybe its one of my personal pet peeves, but I cannot STAND to see those girls who insist on wearing Spice Girl era platform heels and can’t even walk into a party without looking trashy/twisting their ankle/sighing and taking them off. A hot pair of heels is a must-have for any college wardrobe, but they’re worthless if you don’t know how to walk in them. So here’s the deal: first, buy good heels. Not only will they last you, but they will make a difference on your feet. Secondly, watch this. (And if you live on a giant campus like me, bring flip flops or some roll-up flats for the walk home.)

Use a power-drill: I ran into a huge predicament at the beginning of this school year. New apartment + newly framed pictures + stubborn drywall = failure. I needed some major electronic help, and it happened to come in the way a rugby player armed with a power drill. I’m a stubborn person who never likes to admit I need help, so in my embarrassment, I watched and learned intently and vowed to be able to be a little more DIY in the future. Whether it’s fixing that wobbly chair in the kitchen or mounting a corkboard above your desk, it’ll always come in handy.

Have an effective workout: Everybody wants the perfect body: slim legs, flat abs, great butt; the whole package. No matter how much you run or ellipticize, there are only a few things that will actually be effective. Make every minute of that painful gym experience count!

Basic self-defense: Channel your inner ninja. I’m not saying you have to carry a concealed machete with you everywhere you go (because that would never fit in your clutch), but making sure that you’re ready in case something ever happens is the best thing you can do.  When it comes to your safety, you can never be too prepared.

Create a great first impression: There’s only one first time and for most of us, this isn’t a good thing. Thankfully, somebody has got it down to a science and is here to help the rest of us mortals out.

Remove a hard stain: There’s nothing that ruins a good day more than knocking your sushi on the floor. Except knocking the soy sauce, too. On to your shirt… and all over your pants. Not only is it embarrassing to have a giant brown spill down the front of you, it could quickly become a permanent fixture on your favorite shirt. I’m all about the dry cleaning, but for when you can’t afford some professional help just take a quick gander at this and save yourself some green (and some embarrassment) down the road.

Jump start a car: We’ve all been to the epic tailgate where someone’s pickup is blaring Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and everyone’s having a great time. Truth is, the entire time everyone’s jamming to their favorite pre-game tunes, the battery of the car is quickly draining. It’s easy for a battery to drain, and even easier for it to leave you stranded. Here are some quick pointers on how to avoid this unwanted situation and deal if it comes up.

And there you have it. Take some time to learn these things and you won’t need a man for anything. Well,almost anything

Info from CollegeCandy.com

KISSING FACTS

Kissing is far more than a simple science. Just as no two people are alike, so are no two kisses alike. Like snowflakes, each one is different from the one before and the one after. Kissing dad and grandma signifies familial affection. Kissing the rings of kings and popes and mafia lords illustrates reverence. And while kissing can also symbolize betrayal (Judas) and transformation, (that lucky frog prince), it’s watching Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst smooch it up in Spiderman that shows off kissing at its best.

Experts believe the urge to lock lips is innate and crosses species. Elephants stick their trunks in each other’s mouth and birds tap their bills together. Canadian porcupines kiss each other on the lips and chimpanzees swap saliva and tongue in their version of French kissing. Yet historians believe that only a fraction of humans kissed before Roman times.

A huge amount of the brain is devoted to sensory stimulation around the mouth. That’s why you can get stabbed in the back and feel only a thump at first, but a little bit of good kissing around the mouth and you feel the intensity at once. When you kiss someone, you receive an enormous amount of information about him or her. In fact, our brains are equipped with neurons that help us find our lover’s lips in the dark. No wonder so many couples enjoy kissing at the movies.

The area around the nose and under the eyes produces oils and musks and a unique chemical smell. That explains why the Eskimos, Polynesians, and Malaysians rub noses. They are actually smelling each other, determining who they are and the state of their health.

Aside from the delicious experience of making you feel weak-kneed, kissing is actually beneficial for your health. When practiced correctly (!) it helps to reduce dermatitis, skin rashes, and blemishes. Kissing makes your skin glow and your eyes shine. Because it encourages saliva to wash away food from your teeth, it lowers the level of the acid that causes tooth decay, preventing plaque build up. And research reveals kissing has even been shown to relieve headaches. Rarely is something that feels so good so good for you!

OMG Girlz - Gucci This (Gucci That)

Moment of Truth:

Best Friend or Boyfriend?

Story by Kassandra

I never thought I’d have to choose between my best friend and my boyfriend. Never.

I’m not even sure how I get into the situation in the first place. When I first met my boyfriend during class, I immediately wanted my best friend to meet him. You know how it is. You want your girl’s seal of approval! So we got dinner one day, all three of us, and even though he was kind of nervous, it went well. She liked him! I was ecstatic and so we continued seeing each other and I was happy. Blissfully happy.

However, as time passed, a rift started to grow between my best friend and my boyfriend. Sometimes, when we all hung out, it kind of became a competition for my time. Of course my best friend wanted to hang out, but so did my boyfriend. I did my best, of course. I’d make it so all of us hung out together, or I’d set apart time just for me and him to spend together.

I’d started to notice, though, that my best friend and boyfriend got into little arguments here and there. They were never about anything important, but they were always bickering about something. She would say something that offended him and then he would say something back that offended her. I always just let them duke it out because I didn’t think anything of it. But one day my best friend expressed that she really didn’t like my boyfriend. She said she didn’t understand why they always got into little debates and arguments about really stupid things. Then she said she didn’t want to hang out with him anymore.

So then it started to get a bit awkward. I separated the two of them so that I only hung out with one of them at a time. I spent most of my days with my best friend, and most of my nights with my boyfriend. For a couple of weeks, that seemed to work out.

One day, I asked my boyfriend to be honest with me. I asked him if he disliked my best friend. He said no, but I could tell he was lying. I inquired further and he finally admitted that he didn’t like her. Now, for me, that was a huge problem. How could two important people in my life dislike each other? How could my life coexist peacefully if two main components of it were at war with each other?

That night, I thought about it. It had become a question of choice: to keep my boyfriend who hated my best friend, or to keep my best friend who hated my boyfriend. I wanted to keep them both. I really did. To best honest, I wish somehow I could still keep them both. I didn’t want to have to choose. No one ever wants to choose between two people they care about. And I was really starting to fall for him.

But then I really thought about it.
Would I really choose a guy over my girl?

I love my best friend to death. We’ve been friends for years and inseparable since we met. I’ve always trusted her judgment and know that she has my best interest at heart. So even though she wasn’t forcing me to choose, I knew what she thought of him and I did choose. And I didn’t choose my boyfriend.

I dumped my boyfriend less than three days ago. It still hurts to think about it and it hurts even more when I see him around campus. (Sitting next to him during class today was brutal.) But I’m happy with my decision. I know that my best friend saw things that I didn’t see, inherently knew things that I wouldn’t let myself know. I know it was the right choice even though it doesn’t feel like the right choice right now.

Plus, when you break up with a boy, your best friend is always there. If you break up with your best friend, who do you have then?

Info from CollegeCandy.com

Burning Candles: Light Up Your Life!

Nothing warms up the ambience of a room in winter faster than a romantic, deliciously scented candle.

Although you might be familiar with the fact that you can buy candles smelling of exotic fruits and musk, fresh cake, ginger soufflé, and every sweet flower, you might not be as well versed in the care and upkeep of these beautiful accoutrements.

For tips on burning candles, read the following:

• You should never blow out a burning candle. Snuffing it out cuts the risk of blowing droplets of wax on the furniture and carpeting.

• The myth that’s going round that storing candles in the freezer to help them burn longer and not drip is NOT TRUE! The extreme cold will cause the candle to crack and the moisture on the wick will make it difficult to light. You can, however, wrap your candles in foil or plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator where it is cool and dry.

• If you smell a candle in the store and it smells just right under your nose, chances are it will not smell stronger when it burns! If you smell a candle that almost smells too strong, it will probable smell just right when burning.

• If you buy a candle and don’t like how it smells, burn another right next to it. Chances are the combination will be more to your liking.

• Allow a candle to burn long enough so the pool of melted wax burns almost the full circumference of the candle. Candles have a memory. Once the melt pool reaches the edge of the diameter of the burning candles,extinguish it and let the burning candles set. Then you can relight.

• Trim the wicks to ¼ inch and retrim before each burn. How long the wick is determines how high the flame rises. Trimming the wick will also prevent soot from filling the container .

• Keep your candles away from drafts that can cause your candle to burn on one side. Rotate your candle if you see this is happening.

• Stop using the candle when it reaches one inch from the bottom. It’s unsafe to burn beyond this point because the fragrance oils collect at the bottom and may catch fire.

• Be careful to put your candles on a heat-resistant surface—not the top of the TV! And keep them out of direct sunlight or they will fade.

• If you do blow out a candle, place your finger in front of your lips. This prevents a gust of air from splattering the wax pool.

• To prevent your pillar candle from leaking as it softens, mold the outside layer toward the center of the candle. This allows the melted wax to pool inside the candle instead of on your table.

• To get wax out of candleholders, run hot water over them.

• Use a toenail clipper to trim wicks in jars where scissors won’t fit.

• Before a party, light and extinguish candles . They will light more quickly and easily later.

• And most importantly, the AVOID list : Avoid walking with lit candles. Avoid lit candles around children and pets. Avoid placing them near flammable objects like curtains, the wall, etc. And, most importantly, never leave a burning candle unattended! 

Info from BeingGirl.com

I Went A Day Without My Cellphone..

Story by Alex

Like most young people these days, my cellphone is my lifeline. Not only is is my preferred form of communication, but I have my entire life scheduled in my calendar and countless apps keeping track of everything from my calorie intake to spending habits. I love being organized and my Crackberry (err…Blackberry) helps me take that to the extreme. Regardless, when I agreed to spend one day without my cellphone (and share the experience with all you text addicts), I thought that it would be no big deal.

Boy, was I wrong.

In the mornings, I usually wake up and grab my phone from my nightstand to see if I have any new texts or emails. After going through those, I get ready for school/work and periodically check my phone for any happenings. Instead, I woke up and just started getting ready. Surprisingly, I was all set for work about 15 minutes earlier and able to pop open my computer and browse the headlines that way.

Once I got to work, I had to explain to my boss that she wouldn’t be able to text or call my cell for the day. She thought the idea was neat but it quickly became clear that my lack of cellphone would put a dent in our day. I work in an office setting and sometimes have to run errands, which the cellphone is handy and/or necessary for. No one could touch base with my when I was outside of the office and while this wasn’t the norm a decade ago, now you’re expected to be available at all times. One perk (at least from my perspective) was not being disturbed on my lunch break. I could eat and read my book in peace!

After work, things became a bit more complicated. I wanted to check with my boyfriend and see if I should come by his house. I know his phone number by heart and gave him a call, but he didn’t answer. He was hanging out with his friend that day, so I figured that they were gaming and he didn’t notice his phone ringing. I tried again and still no answer. With my cell phone, I can text him and know that he will eventually get the message and respond when he can. Using a landline, I had to call him 4 times before he actually answered, which was frustrating. And then I started missing my phone.

I also missed the constant contact with my friends. I have a few friends who I am always texting and it was weird to not know what was happening in their lives from minute to minute. I suppose that it’s unhealthy to be so absorbed in other people’s business and drama, but I feel important when I’m a confidant. We could do all our talking on the phone, but it’s nice to have someone to vent to right after you get chewed out by your boss or have a yelling match with your BF.

Despite the fact that it was fairly easy to go through my daily routine without my cell, I truly missed it. In the afternoon, I actually starting feeling nervous and jittery because I didn’t have it sitting on my desk with me. I’m a bit of a control freak and like to be on top of my messages. I guess I was going through “cell withdrawals,” which, when you think about it, is so sad. Like any addict, I really felt lost without my fix! Trust me, the next morning when I could finally turn my phone back on, I felt a huge relief. I didn’t realize that I was actually addicted to my phone and don’t like that.

Overall, it was nice to a get a break from technology and realize how much I depend on my phone. I’m not an obsessive cell phone user, but it did bother me that I was going through “cell withdrawals.” I’ve decided that I’m going to keep my phone in my room when I’m at home or in my purse when I’m out. I’ll only pull it out when I need to use it instead of having it in my hand or pocket every second, constantly checking for texts or emails. I still love the convenience a cell provides, but know that I will survive without it. And that I need to. No one should be addicted to a stupid phone.

If you have the opportunity to go cell phone-free this summer (a trip is a great chance) I recommend it. I know it’s scary, but it’s also a great chance to realize just how addicted you are and how little you really need it. Plus, it’s just nice to take a break from technology and actually have a conversation with a friend instead of abusing BBM.

Info from CollegeCandy.com

Friend Flirting

What should you do if your brother’s friend comes on to you? Ugh. Relationships are complicated enough without adding in the brother factor. If you’re interested in this guy’s attention, there’s a question of loyalty for everyone involved. If you’re not, it can be just as hard to handle in a different way. Triangles are notorious for leading to stressful situations. Here are some points to consider should you find yourself in this messy situation!

1. Talk to your brother. He is in the middle and has the least to gain, no matter how it turns out. If his friend doesn’t treat you well, he has to be ready to defend you. If the relationship does work out, he might be unhappy about losing time to spend with his friend. Explain to him how you feel, either way. You don’t need his permission to date his friend but sharing your feelings is the right thing to do. This gives your brother a chance to tell you how he feels. Everything gets harder if you are not communicating honestly.

2. You have to face the possibility that your brother might not like the idea or might tell you not to hang out with his friend anymore. Think of it as a case of sibling rivalry with your brother’s friend the object of jealousy.

3. You should be open to the idea your brother might know things about this guy that you don’t and he might be protective of you. Maybe he has a girlfriend or has a history of cheating. Listen to what your brother says. Be respectful of his wanting to take care of you.

4. After you straighten out your brother, try to decide what it is you want from his friend and what he is offering. The ugly truth is that guys will make out with you because they can. Because teenage boys are pretty much walking hormones, it doesn’t always mean that they like you and want to have a relationship with you. It might just mean they like making out with you.

5. Let him make the first move. DON’T ask him out on a date. DON’T call him. As your brother’s friend, he should be more respectful toward you than any other girl. If he doesn’t appreciate your integrity, forget it. You should never be pressured to do anything you do not want to do. Listen to your gut. If you are uncomfortable, this is not how healthy relationships make you feel.

6. Family is forever. Boyfriends come and go. Be aware that if you break up, he might still be coming by on a regular basis to see your brother.

7. A boyfriend should have the same ingredients as your friendships: good communication, honesty, and respect. He should make you feel good about who you are and safe when you’re with him. Communication and trust are key to any successful relationship—and even more so when there are sticky side issues.

Info from BeingGirl.com

Is COLLEGE For Me?!

If you can’t go to college, it may be because you didn’t get great grades in high school or didn’t get a high SAT score and couldn’t get into your first choice of school. No matter what the reason, it’s important to never feel that your situation is hopeless.

If you weren’t a good student in high school, it doesn’t mean you can’t go to college. Regardless of past performance in school, anyone can attend community or junior college and make a fresh start. You could even take night classes or just go part time to start out. Once you’ve succeeded in community college, and gotten some good grades on a few courses, you can reapply or even try to transfer to another school.

Money is no object

If money is the issue, don’t forget that anyone is eligible for school loans. Yes, you’ll have to pay them back—after you graduate and get a job. Also, you may qualify for other types of financial aid that don’t have to be paid back, or you could even get grants or scholarships. Don’t let money hold you back—there are many ways to pay for your education. See your guidance counselors, find out if any community groups in your area offer scholarships, or contact the financial aid office of colleges you want to attend and get info on the grants and scholarships they offer.

Maybe you can’t go to college because of family responsibilities or obligations—getting a job to help support your family, or taking care of younger sisters and brothers. If that’s the case, don’t worry—there’s always plenty of time to go to school. Family is a big priority in life, and you have plenty of time to start your college career. Many college students are in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. In the meantime, while you’re being a responsible daughter or sister at home, you could still go to college part-time, or at night. There are a lot of possibilities!

Exercise Tips: Sticking To The Plan

Work that body...create an exercise plan that lasts more than a week!!!!!!

So you’ve decided to get in shape. You’ve decided to lose, oh, say, 40 pounds by the end of the year, look like a super-model, and run a marathon or two. The first week of your plan goes great—you get out your running shoes (and actually use them for running), you give up your usual nightly ice cream sundae, and you start feeling good. You’re off to a great start.

Then comes the second week. You get on the scale and see that despite all your efforts, you only lost one pound. You’re already getting bored when you go running and you start skipping your planned runs and start going to get chocolate instead. By the end of week two, you’ve decided to go back to your old ways.

Sound familiar? It’s easy to say you’re going to get in shape and exercise regularly and much, much, much harder to stick to the plan. Here are some tips to help you get motivated and stay motivated about exercise:

• Set realistic and specific goals - Saying to yourself that you want to get in shape and have the body of a supermodel means sure disaster for two reasons.
• Only 2% of all women can have a supermodel’s body.
• It’s not a realistic goal. You need to set a more realistic goal! Say to yourself: “I want to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping" or "I want to lose 5 pounds." These are goals, which make sense and can be achieved.

• Set short-term goals within the bigger plan
  For example, make it your short-term goal to lose 1-2 pounds by the end of Week 1 of your program, or to run 10 minutes every other day of Week 1.
• Work out in the morning - Studies show that people who exercise first thing in the morning are more likely to stick to their routine. Why? Because nothing else comes up. There’s no sudden invitation to go see a movie or go to a yearbook meeting at 7:30 a.m.! If you have a hard time getting up in the morning, lay out your exercise clothes the night before so you see them as soon as you wake up.
• Get a motivated friend to join you - Working out with a friend is a great way to keep you on task. Just make sure your exercise partner is as motivated as you are about getting in shape so you stay on track.
• Keeps an exercise diary - Keeping a record and a plan is a good way to track your progress—and keep you motivated. It will also help remind you of how far you've come!
• Spice up your exercise routine - Variety is the spice of life—and of a successful exercise plan. Following the same routine every day can get boring. So try other forms of exercise every other day—things like biking with a friend or even dancing count too!
• Ask your family and friends to support you
  Tell your family and friends how important your new exercise plan and goals are so that they can be supportive. Everyone needs cheerleaders.
• Keep a photo of someone who inspires you
  Maybe it’s a famous athlete like Venus Williams or Picabo Street, or maybe it’s just someone with a healthy-looking, fit body who inspires you. Whoever it is that you admire, looking at his or her photo might help keep you motivated—and exercising!

Info from BeingGirl.com