Abstract:
A motivational system that utilizes wrist bracelets to represent steps or sub-goals and the achievement of a measurable goal. This system includes the method of breaking down a measurable goal into steps or sub-goals and marking them successively with respective wrist bracelets that represent each successive step or sub-goal. As an individual is achieving or surpassing successive steps or sub-goals a respective bracelet is added or removed from their wrist and a successive bracelet is added or removed to thereby signify that individual&#39;s advancement toward or achievement of their goal.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a motivational system that utilizes wrist bracelets to represent steps or sub-goals and the achievement of a measurable goal. This system includes the method of breaking down a measurable goal into steps or sub-goals and marking them successively with respective wrist bracelets that represent each successive step or sub-goal. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Measurable goals have a greater chance of being achieved with a supporting motivational system. People with measurable goals, especially long-term measurable goals, have the tendency to sometimes become discouraged prior to ever reaching their goals. They start to feel like the possibility of attaining their goal is impossible and the temptation to give up is inevitable. One solution to the former issue is the common practice of breaking down measurable goals into successive steps or mini goals, hereinafter referred to as sub-goals. This method is effective because achieving these sub-goals is far less intimidating than achieving the ultimate goal. Moreover, once each sub-goal is successfully attained, there is more motivation to continue on to achieve greater success and conquer the following sub-goal, until the ultimate goal is finally achieved. Although this method of breaking up goals is very motivating on its own, the addition of a constant reminder and tracking system to support this method can offer a better chance for success. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Wrist bracelets are normally worn on the wrists as a fashion accessory. This can also be true for the instant bracelets of this invention. However, the main purpose of the instant invention is to function as a motivational tool. Therefore, it is imperative for these wrist bracelets to be worn in a highly visible location, such as the wrist area, where they can fulfill their function of constantly reminding an individual of the present goal, resulting in constant motivation. The instant invention includes a plurality of wrist bracelets that represent respective sub-goals of a measurable goal, wherein respective wrist bracelets are either added or removed subsequent to the attainment of each respective sub-goal. 
         [0004]    The instant invention is designed as a motivational system incorporating a method of breaking down a measurable goal into sub-goals in combination with the use of wrist bracelets to represent successive sub-goals. The invention will provide a constant visible reminder that a goal exists. The invention will also promote self-awareness. 
         [0005]    The instant invention provides a goal tracking system whereby users can constantly and visibly track their progress towards reaching their desired, measurable goals. Each respective wrist bracelet exclusively represents a particular sub-goal such that an individual can constantly and visibly track his or her progress towards the ultimate goal by simply looking at the wrist bracelet or bracelets worn at any given moment. This will allow the person to evaluate both the number of sub-goals accomplished and the number of sub-goals remaining towards reaching the ultimate goal. The invention&#39;s constant reminder and tracking system will enhance the degree of motivation provided by the existing method of breaking down measurable goals into sub-goals. When measurable goals are broken down into sub-goals the exhilaration of achievement at every milestone motivates one to achieve greater success and conquer the following sub-goal until the ultimate goal is achieved. The addition of a constant reminder and tracking system will provide even further motivation. 
         [0006]    The instant invention will help people reach their goals; will help people overcome the obstacles and fears towards reaching goals; will help people overcome the obstacles and fears towards reaching long-term measurable goals; will help people overcome the obstacles and fears towards reaching short-term measurable goals; will provide a public display of a self-perceived level of attainment; will provide a rewarding reminder of a sub-goal that has been attained; will provide a reminder of a sub-goal that remains to be attained; will provide a rewarding reminder of a goal that has been attained; and will provide a confidential indication of a current personal goal. 
         [0007]    The instant invention may alternatively be used as a countdown system to a specific deadline or calendar date wherein each wrist bracelet represents successive specific amounts of time towards the date. Instead of being used for motivational purposes, the wrist bracelets provide emotional support all the way through until the arrival date of the event. In said alternative use where the invention is used as a countdown to a specific deadline or calendar date, the wrist bracelets serve as constant reminders and tracking devices for that important date. 
         [0008]    An alternative to the current invention is for the wrist bracelets to represent the sub-goals of a measurable goal whereby an additional wrist bracelet is added on to the wrist upon completion of each sub-goal of a measurable goal. And if the user should backtrack during the journey towards reaching his or her ultimate goal then the user would remove the wrist bracelet representing the sub-goal in progress. With this alternative method, the user would begin by wearing one or zero wrist bracelet(s). If the user begins with wearing one wrist bracelet on the wrist prior to any accomplishment of a sub-goal, this first applied wrist bracelet solely represents that the first sub-goal is in progress. Thus, every wrist bracelet added on to the wrist thereafter represents both the accomplishment of the previous sub-goal and that the successive sub-goal is in progress. As an example, if the ultimate goal were to be broken down into five sub-goals total, the user would end with five wrist bracelets on the wrist while sub-goal five is in progress. Then, upon completion of sub-goal five, the user could leave all the wrist bracelets on the wrist as a visual reminder of his or her success. If the user begins by wearing zero wrist bracelets on the wrist, the first wrist bracelet is added on to the wrist once the first sub-goal is accomplished. Thus, the first wrist bracelet added on to the wrist represents both the accomplishment of the first sub-goal and that the second sub-goal is in progress. And each wrist bracelet added to the wrist thereafter represents both the accomplishment of the previous sub-goal and that the successive sub-goal is in progress. As an example, if the ultimate goal were to be broken down into five sub-goals total, the user would end with five wrist bracelets on the wrist only after sub-goal five is accomplished. Then, the user could leave all the wrist bracelets on the wrist as a visual reminder of his or her success. 
         [0009]    Some people may find it more inspiring to accumulate more and more wrist bracelets onto their wrist. The increasing quantity of wrist bracelets on their wrist constantly reminds them of the increasing quantity of sub-goals they have accomplished and how far they are from reaching their ultimate goal. The total number of sub-goals that the measurable goal is broken up into is the total number of wrist bracelets the user aims to end up with on their wrist. The wrist bracelets continue to serve as reminders, motivators, and as a tracking device. 
         [0010]    With the former alternative version, the same method could be applied to a situation whereby one doesn&#39;t even have a definitive ultimate goal. Each wrist bracelet could simply represent an equal specific quantity of anything whereby each accomplishment of that specific quantity leads to a more positive outcome. For example, each wrist bracelet could represent a specific amount of sales in a situation whereby there is no existent definitive ultimate goal or targeted amount of sales. The quantity of wrist bracelets added on to the wrist could add up to infinity. The wrist bracelets continue to serve as reminders, motivators, and as a tracking device. 
         [0011]    An alternative to the current invention is for the wrist bracelets to represent the sub-goals of a measurable goal, whereby the wrist bracelets are removed from the wrist upon completion of each sub-goal; and, if the user should backtrack during the journey towards reaching his or her ultimate goal, then the user would place back on the wrist the wrist bracelet representing the previous sub-goal. With this alternative method, the user would begin by wearing the number of wrist bracelets representing the number of sub-goals needed to accomplish the ultimate goal; and, the user would end with zero wrist bracelets on the wrist once the last sub-goal is accomplished. Some people may find it more inspiring to get rid of the bulk from the plurality of wrist bracelets on the wrist. Thus, the user aims to remove the disturbing wrist bracelets from his or her wrist while simultaneously moving closer and closer towards reaching the ultimate goal. The wrist bracelets continue to serve as reminders, motivators, and as a tracking device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates the progression of five sub-goals using five bracelets, wherein each successive bracelet highlights the sub-goal number in progress. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates the progression of three sub-goals using three bracelets, wherein each successive bracelet highlights the sub-goal number in progress. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates an optional extra bracelet signifying the accomplishment of the main goal. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows an example of a user wearing a sub-goal  3  bracelet within the five sub-goal bracelet system, thereby signifying that the third sub-goal is in progress. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  shows a user wearing all five sub-goal bracelets in the five sub-goal bracelet system, wherein when each sub-goal is achieved that respective bracelet is removed from the user&#39;s wrist. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows an example of the five sub-goal bracelet system packaged and ready for sale. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    The preferred embodiment of the current invention is in the form of a motivational system that includes breaking down a measurable goal into steps or sub-goals that are signified by successive wrist bracelets that are worn one at a time to represent respective successive steps or sub-goals of the measurable main goal. 
         [0019]    In the preferred embodiment, each wrist bracelet uniquely represents one of the sub-goals that is in progress towards the chosen, ultimate goal. Thus, if the ultimate goal is broken down into five sub-goals five different wrist bracelets are involved. And if the goal is broken down into three sub-goals three different wrist bracelets are involved. Alternatively, an additional wrist bracelet may be integrated into the present embodiment if said additional wrist bracelet is used exclusively to represent the victory of reaching the ultimate goal. 
         [0020]    Once the user determines the number of sub-goals involved in his or her goal, the user must apply an individual value to each of the sub-goals. The sub-goals may be given equal or unequal values. Operating with equal sub-goals is the preferred approach. This makes it easier for the user to remember each wrist bracelet&#39;s value and will also allow the user to accurately track the true distance from the ultimate goal. To apply equal values to the sub-goals the user simply divides the ultimate goal by the number of sub-goals. Once the sub-goals have been defined, the user begins by wearing the wrist bracelet representing the first sub-goal. As each sub-goal is accomplished, the user replaces the wrist bracelet he or she is wearing for the wrist bracelet representing the next sub-goal. Both the ability to continuously track the progress and the experience of exhilaration of achievement at every milestone motivates the user to continue to pursue the following sub-goals. The user is always reminded and motivated to reach the ultimate goal. 
         [0021]    If the user should backtrack to the previous sub-goal, which is most likely caused by failure to wear the bracelets, then he or she replaces the wrist bracelet he or she is wearing for the wrist bracelet representing the previous sub-goal. This causes the user to feel guilty and try even harder because this wrist bracelet continuously reminds the user of the reversal in progress. 
         [0022]    Once the final sub-goal is achieved and the ultimate goal is accomplished, the wrist bracelet representing the final sub-goal is removed from the wrist. At this point, the user should feel satisfied and content. This becomes the appropriate time to celebrate. 
         [0023]    Should an additional wrist bracelet be incorporated into the current invention to represent victory once the ultimate goal is achieved, this additional wrist bracelet would replace the wrist bracelet representing the final sub-goal. 
         [0024]    The wrist bracelets should be uniquely designed to the extent that the person wearing them can undoubtedly determine which sub-goal each wrist bracelet represents.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show one way in which the wrist bracelets can be designed to sensibly represent the sub-goals of a measurable goal.  FIG. 1  represents the jewelry motivational system with a goal divided into five sub-goals. Thus, in  FIG. 1 , each of the five wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  correspond to one of five sub-goals. Wrist bracelet  1  represents sub-goal one, wrist bracelet  2  represents sub-goal two, wrist bracelet  3  represents sub-goal three, wrist bracelet  4  represents sub-goal four, and wrist bracelet  5  represents sub-goal five. In  FIG. 1 , each of these wrist bracelets has identical debossed artwork. The only variation among the wrist bracelets is that each has distinctive debossed areas filled in with color so the user can easily determine which sub-goal the wrist bracelet is representing. 
         [0025]    Each wrist bracelet design contains debossed artwork of the numbers one through five to represent sub-goals one through five. Each number on the wrist bracelet represents the number of the sub-goal; the number one  6  represents sub-goal one, the number two  7  represents sub-goal two, the number three  8  represents sub-goal three, the number four  9  represents sub-goal four, and the number five  10  represents sub-goal five. 
         [0026]    All numbers are situated in numerical order with number one  6  furthest from the target  17  and number five  10  closest to the target  17 . Because sub-goal one is furthest from the ultimate goal, the number one  6  is furthest from target  17 . Because sub-goal five is closest to the ultimate goal, number five  10  is closest to target  17 . 
         [0027]    Each wrist bracelet&#39;s debossed artwork also contains six arrows. The arrow  11 , the arrow  12 , the arrow  13 , the arrow  14 , the arrow  15 , and the arrow  16  all point towards the bullseye  18  of the target  17 . Target  17  represents the ultimate goal. 
         [0028]    Each of the arrows  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15  is situated in front of one of the numbers and represents the same sub-goal as the number it sits in front of. Arrow  11  is situated in front of the number one  6  and represents sub-goal one, the arrow  12  is situated in front of the number two  7  and represents sub-goal two, the arrow  13  is situated in front of the number three  8  and represents sub-goal three, the arrow  14  is situated in front the number four  9  and represents sub-goal four, and the arrow  15  is situated in front of the number five  10  and represents sub-goal five. The arrow  16 , however, is situated inside of target  17 , demonstrating an arrow that has successfully hit bulls eye  18  of target  17 . 
         [0029]    All of the wrist bracelets have the debossed number and arrow that represent the current sub-goal filled in with color to emphasize that the sub-goal they represent is the active sub-goal. This allows for the wrist bracelets to be easily distinguished from each other and for the user to easily follow the sequence of the wrist bracelets. The debossed number that represents the current sub-goal is filled in with color gray  26 , and the debossed arrow in front of it is filled with the color yellow  27 . 
         [0030]    Debossed target  17  is also filled in with color in each of the wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 , to emphasize the target  17  so it is easily visible in all wrist bracelets. In each wrist bracelet, target  17 &#39;s outer rings  19  are filled in with color gray  26  and the target  17 &#39;s bulls eye  18  is filled in with color yellow  27 . 
         [0031]    Because the color-filled areas for the numbers and arrows represent the current sub-goal, the user aims to get the color-filled areas of the numbers and arrows closer to the color-filled target  17 . The user&#39;s attention is primarily drawn to the yellow  27  arrow in each wrist bracelet as the user aims for the yellow  27  arrow to approach the yellow  27  bulls eye  18  of the target  17 . 
         [0032]    The user begins by wearing wrist bracelet  1 . Wrist bracelet  1  has the debossed area of number one  6  filled in with color gray  26  and arrow  11  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate the wrist bracelet  1  from wrist bracelet  2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 . Having number one  6  and arrow  11  filled in with color allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing sub-goal one. 
         [0033]    Once the user completes sub-goal one, the exhilaration of achievement motivates the individual to achieve greater success and conquer the second sub-goal, represented by wrist bracelet  2 . Thus the user replaces wrist bracelet  1  for wrist bracelet  2 . Wrist bracelet  2  has the debossed area of number two  7  filled in with color gray  26  and arrow  12  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate wrist bracelet  2  from wrist bracelets  1 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 ; having number two  7  and arrow  12  filled in with color allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing sub-goal two. 
         [0034]    Once the user completes sub-goal two, the exhilaration of achievement motivates the individual to achieve greater success and conquer the third sub-goal, represented by wrist bracelet  3 . Thus, the user replaces wrist bracelet  2  for wrist bracelet  3 . Wrist bracelet  3  has the debossed area of number three  8  filled in with color gray  26  and arrow  13  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate wrist bracelet  3  from wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  4  and  5 . Having number three  8  and arrow  13  filled in with color allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing sub-goal three. 
         [0035]    Once the user completes sub-goal three, the experience of exhilaration of achievement motivates the individual to achieve greater success and conquer the fourth sub-goal, represented by wrist bracelet  4 . Thus, the user replaces wrist bracelet  3  for wrist bracelet  4 . Wrist bracelet  4  has the debossed area of number four  9  filled in with color gray  26  and arrow  14  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate wrist bracelet  4  from wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  5 . Having number four  9  and arrow  14  filled in with color allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing sub-goal four. 
         [0036]    Once the user completes sub-goal four, he or she replaces wrist bracelet  4  for wrist bracelet  5 . Wrist bracelet  5  has the debossed area of number five  10  filled in with color gray  26  and arrow  15  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate wrist bracelet  5  from wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . Having number five  10  and arrow  15  filled in with color allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing sub-goal five. Once the user completes sub-goal five, the ultimate goal has been achieved. Thus, wrist bracelet  5  of  FIG. 1  is removed from the wrist and no further steps are pending. 
         [0037]    Alternatively, should an additional wrist bracelet  23  of  FIG. 3  be applied to the current invention to represent victory, then the user would replace wrist bracelet  5  of  FIG. 1  with said wrist bracelet  23  once the ultimate goal is achieved. Wrist bracelet  23  has the debossed area of arrow  16  filled in with color yellow  27  to differentiate wrist bracelet  23  from wrist bracelets  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 . Because arrow  16  is situated inside of bulls eye  18  of target  17 , having arrow  16  filled in with color yellow  27  in wrist bracelet  23  allows the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet  23  is representing victory. The victory wrist bracelet  23  also has debossed artwork of inspiring, positive words  24  and celebration marks  25  to further remind the user of his or her success. 
         [0038]    The alternative additional victory bracelet can be designed an in infinity number of different ways that will allow the user to easily determine that the wrist bracelet is solely representing victory. This includes, but is not limited to, having any slightly different or erratically different debossed artwork from that of bracelet  23  of  FIG. 3  whereby it is also obvious that the artwork is portraying victory, using a different color bracelet, using a different quality bracelet, and or any combination thereof. 
         [0039]    Should an individual backtrack to the previous sub-goal at any given time, the individual should simultaneously return to the corresponding wrist bracelet. Thus, in  FIG. 1 , if the user backtracked from having achieved the ultimate goal, he or she would return to wearing wrist bracelet  5 . If the user is in sub-goal five when he or she backtracks, then said wrist bracelet  5  is removed from the wrist and replaced by wrist bracelet  4 . If the user is in sub-goal four when he or she backtracks, then said wrist bracelet  4  is removed from the wrist and replaced by wrist bracelet  3 . If the user is in sub-goal three when he or she backtracks, then said wrist bracelet  3  is removed from the wrist and replaced by wrist bracelet  2 . And if the user is in sub-goal two when he or she backtracks, then said wrist bracelet  2  is removed from the wrist and replaced by wrist bracelet  1 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  demonstrates the same debossed artwork used for the motivational system in  FIG. 1 , but with three sub-goals involved instead of five. Thus, instead of five bracelets as in  FIG. 1 , there are only three bracelets in  FIG. 2 . Wrist bracelet  20  represents the first sub-goal, wrist bracelet  21  represents the second sub-goal, and wrist bracelet  22  represents the third sub-goal. And, instead of five numbers and five arrows, there are only three numbers and three arrows. As in  FIG. 1 , number one  6  and arrow  11  represent sub-goal one, number two  7  and arrow  12  represent sub-goal two, and number three  8  and arrow  13  represent sub-goal three. 
         [0041]    In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the number and arrow representing the current sub-goal in each wrist bracelet are filled in with color. The number and arrow representing the current sub-goal could alternatively be designed to have any attribute about them different from the other numbers and arrows in the same wrist bracelet so that the user can easily determine that the wrist bracelet is representing a particular sub-goal. This includes but is not limited to having the number and arrow representing the current sub-goal made larger than the other numbers and arrows. Further, in  FIGS. 1 and 2  target  17  could alternatively be eliminated all together from the artwork. 
         [0042]    The artwork for the wrist bracelets corresponding to the current invention can be designed slightly different or erratically different from the artwork used in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . There are an infinite number of ways to design the artwork for the wrist bracelets so that the user can easily determine which sub-goal each wrist bracelet is representing. 
         [0043]    Alternatively, the arrows and numbers illustrated in the artwork could be substituted by any object or objects, including but not limited to numbers, letters, the Braille alphabet, stars, asterisks, x&#39;s, circles, squares, diamonds, hearts, smiley faces, upset faces, people, currency, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, golf balls, trophies and or any combination thereof. 
         [0044]    The wrist bracelets can be made from silicone material and wherein the artwork is debossed into the silicone wrist bracelets. However, depending upon the material chosen for the wrist bracelets, the artwork can alternatively be processed in different ways, including but no limited to embossing, painting, printing, stamping, engraving, embroidering, sewing, cutting and pasting, and carving. 
         [0045]    In addition to the infinite number of artworks that can be used for the current system, there are an infinite number of other ways that the wrist bracelets can be designed so that they may represent the different sub-goals of a measurable goal. This includes but is not limited to using different colored wrist bracelets to represent the different sub-goals and using different quality bracelets to represent different sub-goals, or any combination thereof. For this to work, the user would need to be advised in some way, such as verbally or by means of a brochure or instruction manual, as to which sub-goal each color or quality represents. For example, a green wrist bracelet can represent sub-goal one, a white wrist bracelet can represent sub-goal two, a copper wrist bracelet can represent sub-goal three, a silver wrist bracelet represent sub-goal four, and a gold wrist bracelet represent wrist bracelet sub-goal five. The colors may be any color in the color spectrum, so long as the five bracelets are different colors. 
         [0046]    An alternate embodiment of the instant invention alternatively uses the bracelets as a countdown system. For example, a countdown to a wedding date, where a wedding ring represents the wedding date and numbers five, four, three, two, and one each represent the steps or an amount of time leading to the wedding date. Because a countdown is a backward counting indicating the time remaining before an event occurs the numbers are arranged in reverse chronological order. The numbers representing the current step can be filled in with color so that the user can easily determine which step the wrist bracelet is representing. The artwork used to represent a countdown system can be done in an infinite number of ways. The key is for each wrist bracelet to represent a specific amount of time towards an event with an alternative additional bracelet representing the event. 
         [0047]    The material used for the current invention&#39;s wrist bracelets is 100% silicone rubber. The wrist bracelets could alternatively be composed of any material, including but not limited to rubber, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, polychloroprene butyl rubber, natural rubber, partially vulcanized natural rubber, plastic, metal, wood, stone, leather, cotton, polyester, nylon, and silk. 
         [0048]    The designations upon the bracelets can be accomplished using any known method including debossing, embossing, painting, printing, stamping, engraving, embroidering, sewing, cutting and pasting, and carving. Further, the designations upon the bracelets can be any artwork and not limited to the artwork disclosed herein. And finally, the bracelets can be identified through a color system instead of artwork, whereby each bracelet is a different color representing a different sub-goal. 
         [0049]    Any and all other obvious modifications to one or more of the parts of this invention are inherently incorporated herein.