Record keeping is important in goal setting. Writing down your goals and action plans represents a commitment. Otherwise your dreams are merely wishful thinking. You can re-read and visualize written goals. They are credible and legitimate. They live and lead you onward. When you write you have begun to act. Inertia is gone. You sense accomplishment already.

How should you phrase your goals? Goals must be S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Trackable to a Timetable. Let’s look at each of these elements in detail.

1. Goals must be specific. “Happiness” or “success” are too vague. Ask yourself: what exactly do I want to do, be or have?

For example, let’s say you are getting too close to weighing 200 pounds and you want to reduce to 185 pounds within six months. You could write: in order to be healthier and more energetic I will lose 14 pounds within the next six months, starting today, and maintain a weight of 185 pounds from that point on.

2. Is your goal measurable? How will you know you obtained your goal?

3. Is it attainable? Give yourself a chance to succeed. Take little steps and succeed. Success breeds success.

4. Is it relevant? Would the attainment of the goal be worthwhile to you? Before you can answer this question you need to know what kind of life you want.

5. Is there a way of tracking your performance on a timetable? How do you know you are getting closer to your goal? Select dates when you will measure your progress against the milestones in your plan. You will either re-affirm that you are on track or make adjustments.

Consider the following as you set each goal:

A. Is this goal really mine? Am I doing this for myself or somebody else? If you are doing it for somebody else, you are not living a life of your choosing.

B. Is it morally right and fair?

C. Are my short-range goals consistent with my long-range goals? Keep in mind where you want to be 10 to 20 years from now.

D. Can I commit myself to complete the project? If not, don’t set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Save the goal for a time in your life when you can commit to make the effort.

E. Can I visualize myself reaching this goal? If you can’t see it, it won’t happen. Henry Ford said it best, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re absolutely right.”

The Bottom Line: Goals must be S.M.A.R.T.

Read all 12 Secrets in my Book, The 12 Disciplines for Living Your Dreams.

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