Most people, if asked, would agree that that they have goals for the future. Of course they do. We all do, right? The goal to eat better, lose weight, make a million or to buy our first home. Goals are just there. Few of us think about why we set goals in the first place and fewer of us ever actually achieve our goals.

Why do I want to set a goal?

Anyone who has ever had a New Years Resolution will tell you that most goals are never reached. There are so many reasons why not: boredom, not being realistic and losing focus. So why bother? A goal can:

• Give you focus and turn a flaky idea into something much more concrete.
• Allow you to compare your outcome with previous efforts. For example your goal might be to improve your output just a little everyday.
• Supply a mental boundary that prevents other distractions. You’ll be less likely to lose focus on the task.
• Give you a reason to get things done. Any procrastinator will know what this means - your goal will get you up in the morning.

In short, setting a goal could be the difference between success and failure. Its that simple.

Long and short term goals

Remember that your goals can be both short term and long term.

A short term goal is something that may have no lasting impact beyond that day, week or maybe even that year. These might include meeting your sales target for the month, losing 2 pounds this week or writing at least 1000 words on your thesis today.

A long term goal will have an impact on your life or your business that is long standing and requires planning and forethought. These types of goals include a savings plan for your retirement, reaching director level in your career or buying your own home.

So how do I set a goal?

If we use the SMART method of goal setting, we can see how a simple thought can become an achievable goal.

Specific - your goal needs to be clear

Measurable - you need to know exactly when you reach your goal

Agreed - you need to be accountable to someone

Realistic - your goal needs to be doable

Timely - your goal needs an end date

Using the SMART goals headings, simply write down your goal. Think it through and decide how you might achieve it. Is it really possible? Be realistic with yourself, because if you fail at this goal, the next one will seem so much harder.