The Truth About Self-Help Books

Achieving Breakthrough Goals

Book 2: Unstoppable Women: Achieve Any Breakthrough Goal in 30 Days

By Cynthia Kersey (Rodale, 2005)

Tested by: Leah McLaughlin, nutrition director

My Goal: Run an hour outside without passing out.

For me, running is the gold standard of physical fitness. If you can run a 5k, 10k or, heck, a marathon, you can do anything. I'm an avid exerciser, but the last time I attempted to "become a runner," I strapped on my sneakers, stepped outside my front door, and bolted around the corner only to give up before rounding the next block. So I turned to Cynthia Kersey's book to tap into my inner athlete.

Kersey breaks down the process of goal setting and achievement into easy-to-follow steps. Step one is to identify your "breakthrough goal." Initially, mine was "Become a runner." But Kersey recommends that your aspiration be specific and easily measurable, so I changed it to "Be able to run for at least an hour and preferably more, outside, without feeling winded."

Next, I had to prioritize "key categories of activities" that would help me reach my goal. Kersey recommends seeking help from others, so I called my friend Katie, who's run two marathons. She suggested checking with my gym about running classes. I did, and found one that happened to be taught by a handsome instructor. (Nice bonus!) Other friends and experienced runners advised me to invest in gear. (An excuse to shop!) My 30-day plan took shape. Key category 1: Buy the necessary gear. 2: Attend a running class. 3: Research an unintimidating outdoor route (the one-fifth mile track two blocks from my house). 4: Schedule a short (20-minute) outdoor run.

Finally, I helped another woman along the way. Kersey says that doing this will make you more dedicated to your own goal. I helped Katie -- she was an avid runner but terrified of biking, a sport I had already mastered. We made a pact: I'd encourage her to bike, she'd encourage me to run.

Bottom Line: That running class is now a weekly staple, and I've become one of the fastest on the sprints. But my crowning achievement came when I set out on a 60-minute run. I returned an hour and a half later, but I definitely could have gone longer. I have never felt more unstoppable.

Favorite Tip: Celebrate your victories. List all the "wins" -- big or small -- that you achieve each day. Reaching one large goal always involves accomplishing smaller ones (which are just as important) along the way.