I read somewhere that it takes three weeks to form a habit and that most people quit on their goals in the third or fourth week. If you're anything like me you know that this is unfortunately more than a little bit true at times. It would take all my fingers, toes and probably shoes to count how many times in the past I have set out to accomplish something and then after a few weeks got bored, procrastinated or just moved on to something else conveniently convinced that whatever it was that I was going so hard for all of a sudden wasn't actually that important.

I am happy to say however that thus far this year, I have turned a complete 180 in terms of staying motivated to follow through even on the days I just wasn't feeling it. I would like to share a few of the techniques that have helped me move from talking the talk to walking the walk and sticking to my goals in 2011.

1. Write it down and back step it

Think you're doing your employer or family a favor by giving up on sleep to get more done?

You're wrong.

We may tell ourselves that we're sacrificing sleep for the benefit of others, but the data says otherwise. Studies show that when you're exhausted you're less empathetic, quicker to anger, less emotionally engaged, and - there really is no dressing this one up - more self-absorbed.

Think about it, how focused can you be if you're dead-dog tired?

Most of us recognize that we're not as proficient with complex tasks when we're exhausted. Yet we often underestimate the effect that sleep deprivation has on our relationships, professional and personal.

Here are 5 fatal relationship mistakes you tend to make when you're exhausted:

1. You're reactive. Your spouse or boss says, "We've got a problem." In a well-rested state you'd ask for more information. In a sleep-deprived state, you're more likely to get defensive, and assume it's about you. Your defensive reaction ignites

By Chioma Nnadi, Vogue magazine

Most of us end up throwing on that tried-and-tested pashmina in a moment of sweaty, goose-bump-raised desperation. It's not that carrying a scarf is inherently a bad idea, it just might be time to update the pastel cashmere shawl that's been languishing in the filing cabinet since last summer. Fashion News Editor Emily Holt favors her periwinkle-blue wrap of Indian silk from ABC Carpet & Home as a larger but lighter alternative. "I say the bigger the better," she says. "I love throwing a beautiful oversize scarf around my neck, especially if I'm going into a meeting. I feel about a scarf the way Linus feels about his blanket."

By Anna Davies, REDBOOK

Accomplish more in a single day with these tips and tricks:

1. Time it right: Are you an early bird, or do you do your best work after lunch? "Paying attention to when you're most productive can help you manage your schedule better," Shigley explains. Use that period of the day to focus on complicated tasks; during the times you feel less alert, file, catch up on e-mail, or do other tasks that require less brainpower.

Related: Money-Saving Tips That Will Change Your Life

2. Minimize interruptions: Do you find yourself drifting over to the watercooler whenever you see colleagues gathering? "Everyone has interruptions that can chip away at productivity," Shigley says. Brainstorm ways to minimize them, such as confabbing with colleagues only at lunch. You'll stay on task and get projects done.

Related: 8 Free Ways to Have Fun This Summer

3. Take the time to organize: A few seconds used to file away an e-mail in a folder could mean saving an hour of frantic

For most working professionals, which includes you and me, fitness has taken a backseat since none of us have the time to workout in the gym or even at home.

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Therefore, we bring 5 simple stress busting exercises which you can take up while being at work. They are easy and do not require much effort on your part. So go ahead and and try these exercises instead of slouching lazily on your office desk.

1) Deep breathing: Many of us are unaware of the importance of proper breathing. Deep breathing relaxes the body & mind. It helps to increase the flow of oxygen in our body. Oxygenated blood keeps the nerves, brain, spinal cord and other muscles healthy. It helps to lower the stress & makes the mind calmer. Repeat this exercise 3-4 times with straight back and avoid slouching.

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Eating

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No doubt life is hectic, and there will always be stressful situations. The bad news is that you can't do anything about that. But the good news is that stress is in the eye of the beholder. How you react will make all the difference to your mental and physical health! To help you out, therapist Dr. Karen Sherman suggests seven smart ways to deal with the stress of daily life.

Breathe: Though you may not be aware of it, you might actually be holding your breath. Or, you may breathe in a shallow way, breathing just into your chest. Start to consciously notice your breathing by placing your hand on your stomach and train yourself to bring your breath into this area.

Relax Your Body: If your body is tight or tense, you're more likely to jump at a situation. To help ease bodily tension, as you're waiting on a line or in traffic, do a muscle tightening and loosening; start at your toes and work up the different muscle groups. Any time you notice tightness in your body, make sure to relax.