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      Whenever December 31 st rolls around, people come up with resolutions or wishes or dreams about the new year. They say “I'm gonna do this or I'm gonna do that.” However, people are often disappointed and frustrated when the weight doesn't come off or the new job doesn't arrive. Why don't these folks succeed? The reason is that they don't know how to set goals.

It is important to set goals because goals act as a compass or road map. Goals get us to where we want to go. People who don't have goals, often live their lives out of focus. Their lives go in many different directions and they seldom accomplish their major objectives in life. Having goals build self worth as well as meaning and purpose. Reality Therapy, also known as Choice Theory by Dr. Bill Glasser states that all people have five essential major need areas; fun, survival, power, love, and freedom . Having goals satisfies these needs. According to Zig Ziglar, famous motivational speaker one must have goals within 7 major areas of his or her life. Ziglar believes that people should have different time lines for achieving goals; short term goals of one month or less, intermediate goals of one month to one year and long term goals of one year or more. He also states that in order to achieve a balanced, happy life, one should have goals in the areas of physical, mental, career, financial, spiritual, family and personal .

What are physical goals?

Physical goals relate to appearance, regular checkups, energy level, muscle tone, weight control, diet and nutrition, stress control, endurance and strength and having a regular fitness program.

What are financial goals?

Financial goals relate to proper priorities, personal budget, impulse purchases, earnings, living within income, charge accounts kept current, adequate insurance, investments, financial statements or “bottom line”.

What are spiritual goals?

Spiritual goals relate to belief in God or a higher power, involvement in a place of worship, sharing faith with others, prayer, religious study, and inner peace.

What are mental goals?

Mental goals relate to reading and listening to motivational material, associating with uplifting people, having a positive outlook, happy most of the time, having stable moods, and contentment.

What are family goals?

Family goals relate to relationships with parents, relationships with siblings, relationships with mate, relationship with children, relationships with extended family, spending time with family, enjoying time with family, and making family a priority.

What are career goals?

Career goals relate to being challenged, happy, having a chance to advance or grow with your company, growing in career knowledge, continuing education, having a goals program in place, being where you want to be.

What are personal goals?

Personal goals relate to recreation, friendships, community involvement, hobbies, quiet time, growth time and consistent life.

Goal Setting Tips;

1. Take a personal inventory- Take out a piece of paper, and divide it into 3 columns. One column is to be labeled “Everything I want to be”, another one is to be labeled “Everything I want to do”, and the third column is to be labeled “Everything I want to have”. Take fifteen to twenty minutes to write down everything you want to be do or have in your life time. Let your imagination run wild. Do not judge anything that you have written. One of the biggest problems that people have is that they discount their dreams as unrealistic. Remember goals that are not written down are simply wishes. Written goal statements act as clarification and motivation.
   
2. Make sure what you have written is really a reflection of who you are- After 24 hours go back to this list and ask yourself; Is this goal morally right and fair for me and for others? Is this goal in line with my values? Can I emotionally commit myself to this goal? Is this really my goal or is it some else's? Is this really what I want or is it what I need? How much time and energy can I spend trying to get what I want rather than what I need? Be honest. Cross out goals that don't pass the aforementioned screening.
   
3. Make sure they are written and as specific and measurable as possible- Put your each of your existing goals on a separate 3x5 card. Put a specific date for its' accomplishment. Use the first person positive present tense i.e. I weigh 200lbs by September 1st , 2005.
   
4. Have one break out goal- What is one goal that if you were to accomplish it would change your life dramatically? Having such a goal energizes a person. Write this goal down and put it in your wallet.
   
5. List the resources i.e. people places and things that can help you- On the reverse side of each of your 3x5 cards list the aforementioned.
   
6. Review and Revision- Written goals should be reviewed in the morning and a night before going to bed in order to put these goals into your memory and subconscious. Also, periodically look at the resources you use and the steps you are taking to achieve these goals. If something is not working, don't do it. Try something else.
   
   

Helpful References

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, 2005

1 st Things 1 st , Stephen Covey