The best way to get things done is to make a plan, set yourself a goal and plan out how to achieve it. That’s why we’ve launched ‘Your Pledge’.

What is it?

It’s simple – take some time to think about what you’d like to achieve by one year’s time. Then set yourself goal. It can be as big or small as you like, but it’s got to be something that will challenge you.

Why should I make a pledge?

There’s few things in life more satisfying than achieving something you have full control over – something you’ve seen through from the start to the finish. Achieving a goal can bring with it the direct benefits of the achievement, be it career development, financial reward or business success, but will (and can)  also boost your confidence longterm, confirming that if you plan it you will achieve. And having a solid plan of attack will give you greater motivation for future challenges you face.

How should I pledge?

1. Download and complete a Pledge Action Plan (Word Doc - right click to save) >>

2. Join the Your Pledge Group, and add your pledge to the discussion forum (everywomanNetwork members only)

What do I do next?

Now it’s time to get to work on the action plan you’ve created. You’ll only reap the full benefits if you pull in the support that’s available to you though so:

• Join the everywoman Network - this will give you greater access to the everywoman community, including the Your Pledge Group – keep the community up to date with how your pledge is going on a regular basis, what challenges and successes you’ve faced, and most importantly offer encouragement and advice to your fellow ‘pledgers’ in the group via the discussion area – the more support you give, the easier it will be for the collective group to achieve all their goals!

• Contact Kate (kate@everywoman.com) – Kate will be contacting all pledgers regularly to see how their action plan is going and how we can support you to achieve what you’ve set out to do

Current pledges:

• Alison Thorne: "I pledge to come back (to the National everywoman Conference)"

• Andrea Longfield: "I pledge to attend more events and network more"

• Caroline Andrews: "I pledge to look for investment to grow my business"

• Cath Colebroook: "I pledge to turnover £1m in 2012"

• Emma Gray: "I pledge to better myself in order to better others"

• Frances Miles: "I pledge to action one new idea for the business and present to clients"

• Gillian Smith: "I pledge to stop just talking about it and put into action our new start business by Spring 2012"

• Glenda Badal: "I pledge to get my brand sold to two high street stores in 2012"

• Helen Crossland: "I pledge to revolutionise womens fashion in the UK in the next 10 years!"

• Jane Stuart-Palikira: "I pledge to build up my brand so all engaged couples are inspired to book a wedding abroad with us"

• Julie Stott: "I pledge to stop procrastinating and just do it! Launch a second business with my partner by the end of 2012"

• Laxami Hamarsy: "I pledge to continue to be an active lifelong learner and from now on make sure that I turn my education into income, by sharing my knowledge with others"

• Ligia Kowalska: "I pledge to research, research, research! Know what I'm facing when I decide to start up on my own"

• Lyndsey Whiteside: "I pledge to help all of our clients attract the right clients"

• Melanie Berenblut: "I pledge to grow the women who connect network I run in conjunction with Corinne Stuart at Connections"

• Michele Duke: "I pledge to ask my customers what I can do to improve my service to them - and act on it!"

• Naomi Richards: "I pledge to only take on those projects I am truly passionate about"

• Pippa Goodwin: "I pledge to invest in myself to become a better & more inspirational manager"

• Rachel McGuinness: "I pledge to make a positive difference in at least 100 womens lives in the next 12 months"

• Sharon Hewitt: "I pledge to help more relocation agents who are thinking of starting in the industry"

• Sue Cassidy-Burgin: "I pledge to learn to live for me"

• Susan Treadgold: "I pledge to start a series of workshops to help raise the confidence and leadership skills of women"

• Tracey Wood: "I pledge to make some time for us outside of work - join Zimba class!"

• Varney Polydor: "I pledge to become a globally recognised brand by this time next year"

• Victoria Read: "I pledge to develop my own leadership style"

• Wendy Kerr: "I pledge to walk through my fear and make Corporate Crossovers the go to resource for women who left corporate to set up their own business"