Basic Goal-Setting Skills

Make your goals SMART!

SMART Goals:

    S--Specific

    M--Measurable

    A--Attainable

    R--Relevant

    T--Time-bound

Other Tips

• Be positive!  Use words like I will, do, succeed, instead of I won't, don't, or forget.  
• Write them down.  Writing takes the goal from the abstract thoughts of the mind and sets it in a more concrete setting in your memory.  Place your goals somewhere you can see them often, like next to the vanity mirror in your bathroom.  
• Tell other people about them.  Including others creates a sense of accountability and support that you would not have otherwise.  
• Include a reward system to keep you motivated

Below are two exceptional videos by John Assaraf on goal-setting: 

Other Resources

• http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm
• http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=716
• http://www.effectivepractice.org/site/ywd_effectivepractice/assets/pdf/4a_Self-Management_-_Discussion_Paper.pdf