To accomplish many of the things we want in life, we must have goals. However, setting goals is often not a simple process. Some people are goal-oriented, while others completely avoid goal setting altogether.

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound are the elements of goal setting you should be focusing on.

To set and achieve goals, you must first define what you want out of life. Based on where you are currently, you can begin to identify your goals.

Develop a series of small goals, which will lead to the accomplishment of your larger goal. It is important to specify your goals so that you have a better chance of achieving them. For example, if your goal is to lose 40 pounds, make sure you write it down and can see it clearly in front of you.

Visualize yourself in possession of your goals. In addition, each night before you retire, or when you arise in the morning, read your goals and visualize yourself living with the excitement, and sense the accomplishment of each goal.

Next, you must specify deadlines for each of your goals. The more specific your deadline, the better the outcome. For example, if your goal is to “make a lot of money” by the time you are 35 years old, you need to multiply the goal by 4. Then, express your goal in a way that you feel comfortable with. “After five years, I will be earning £20,000 a month.”

In addition, you must prepare for obstacles in your path. This might include changes in your life, or in the economy.

Once you know what to do, it is vital that you develop a plan and follow it. Otherwise, your goals will remain only a dream.

As stated earlier, a goal is not a desire, it is a decision you make. No matter what emotional feeling a goal brings you, or what frustrations or doubts your goal may bring up, it is a decision you make to be accomplished.

Your overall objective must be relevant to your goal. Creating individual goals is not a complex process, but it takes a little thinking beyond setting general goals. As you set goals, start with asking yourself, “What do I want?” Then, formulate your goals into the logical steps required to be accomplished.

The first trigger in the process of setting goals involves changing the way you see your own life. You want to take responsibility for your life and the direction it takes. Once you make the mental shift towards ownership, set a reasonable and realistic plan, and make a commitment to complete it in order to hit your goal.

Having your goals and plans on paper makes the tasks more tangible than if they are only in your head.

Goal Setting TL;DR

• Don’t use the word impossible if what you are seeking to do is within your reach. Put your goals into reasonable and achievable milestones to motivate yourself when it is difficult to attain your end goal.
• Believe in yourself and your ability to hit your goals. Write down specific goals you’d like to achieve, and figure out all the possible steps involved in working towards their accomplishment.
• Read more books and courses relevant to your situation, and gather valuable information and inspiration that can further help you with your goals.
• Begin to devise a broad outline of goals for what you want to do and accomplish and plan a way to get there. Whatever your goal, an organized plan is a lifesaver and will help you avoid making hasty or unnecessary decisions.
• Keep track of all your goals so that you can pinpoint where you have gotten off course.