You don’t go on a road trip without setting a destination, why go through life aimlessly. Goals give you direction, a sense of purpose, they expand your confidence and improve your time management. We are constantly setting goals all the time –“ I will be late for work. I’ll never amount to anything.” So why not set goals deliberately.

The SMART goals acronym makes setting goals simple and effective.

S Simple

Keep the goals simple and focused, rather than wordy and vague.

Be specific with what is to be achieved – the more specific the better

M Measurable

Make sure the achievement of this goal is measurable ie ask the question “How will you know you’ve achieved this goal?” What will be different once this is accomplished?

A Attractive

The goal must be appealing to you – not just for the short term, but the long term also.

As if Now

State the goal as if it is already achieved, with the date stating the date of successful achievement of the goal. (It is now 30th December 2013)

R Realistic

The goal needs to be achievable _ ie tennis champion in two years having never played and in your forties would not be attainable.

T Timed

Stated as if it’s done

Know when it will be achieved.

Here is an example

It is now ………………… 30th December 2013………………………………………………….

and I have or I am……earning $1500 per week from my new employment

and I feel………………………………………. so grateful and excited.