For starters, be sure and make your goals a positive statement. Key in on what you want, not just something that sounds good. This may seem an obvious statement; however, many of us inadvertently focus on what we don’t want. When we do this we give our energy to the wrong result.

Next, be as precise and as specific as you can be when goal setting. Decide on dates and times that you plan on accomplishing your objective. If you are focusing on a money goal, then make sure you specify the goal amount you plan on achieving.

Categorize your goals into small steps that are plausible and reachable. If your goals are too big, you will tend to become disheartened. Setting small achievable steps will have the effect of building momentum and pushing you toward your end goal. A wise person once said: You can only eat a hamburger one bite at a time and taking big bites can make you choke.

Next, be sure and prioritize your goals. Having too many goals takes the focus off your important goals. We can successfully focus on one objective at a time. This doesn’t mean you can not have many goals. This means that it is best to keep the number of goals small and manageable. In this way we can devote our energy to one goal at a time and not become weighed down.

In goal setting, don’t be afraid to amend your goals as you go along. This doesn’t mean you are failing. Things happen and we often face complications we didn’t plan on when working on our goals. Examine how you feel about your goals at that point. If some of them have become no longer important, then drop them and focus on the ones you still want. Allow yourself room to bend, but, at the same time, keep your eye on your long term reward.

One of the most powerful acts in goal setting is making a list. The very act of writing down your objectives provides a kinesthetic connection to our brains. It helps make our goals believable and achievable. Some goal setting experts advocate writing down your goals every day. This reinforces the goals. Try this and see if it is beneficial for you.

Lastly, your goal setting and achieving should be exciting and fun. If your goals become labor, then you need to reevaluate them. Effective goal setting should bring a sense of pride into your life and make your life an adventure.
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