Goals Need Tending

Write Your Goals Down:  
Writing your goals is the first step to reaching them. Then take those first steps and simply keep going.
I think that writing goals by hand (the old fashioned way) rather than using a computer is kinestetically pleasing -- you own it.
Have you ever heard the expression, "Lead, follow or get out of the way."
When I coach people I invite them to learn how I run my business (follow) and I match their efforts. 
Soon they are taking leadership roles (lead). 
 

Have A Deadline: Goals without a deadline are not helpful. You must set a deadline. The deadline can  be a year from the today or next week.  
I always encourage re-assessment at appropriate intervals so that goal time lines can be tweaked.
Goals without deadlines are just dreams.

Have Realistic Goals: The goals must be realistic. A goal with no relevance to your life and no plan to create relevance is destined to fail.  A goal that has dis-congruity between desired end and either ability and/or plan of action must be re-drafted so that it is achievable.
For example:

• If a non runner's goal is, "I will run the 10K one year from today and finish it," they must plan to train properly to achieve that goal.

• If the goal of a tone deaf performer is to win American Idol next year -- that is a recipe for failure. 
• If the goal is to reach a six figure income in 6 months by working 2 hours a day, the ratio of time to desired achievement should probably be changed!

The assessment of the feasibility of a goal by a qualified is prudent.

That non runner needs to find a running club or personal trainer, 

The tone deaf performer might consider another venue for different talents and a mentor in the field of music can help them with that decision.  :-)

The goal of a 6 figure income with such a small amount time towards the goal is unrealistic in any legitimate and ethical situation. A mentor in the field can help that person set realistic, achievable goals.

In my business we have a mentor for each new business person. That mentor can help the newby pull up stats and audited statistics, work to pay ratios and advancement plans.
Having a qualified mentor is priceless!
 
Write goals in future tense: When crafting your goal statement, always use the word "I" in the sentence because it brands it as your own. Branding a goal as your own adds to the emotional fuel that drives you to achieve your goal.

Make Them Specific: Make your goals very specific. Don't have a goal like ‘I want to drive a good car in 2 years'. Write down exactly what car you want to drive in 2 years. This will put a monetary value to your good car goal as well. So you will know how much you need to save to reach your goal. I found that even posting pictures of the new car I want up at my desk to remind me and to keep me focused on it.
Make Them Detailed: Write down the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Without the path how will you get to the destination? You have to write down a detailed goal plan and the way you want to get there. I like to break my goals down into small steps.

Finally Monitor and review your progress periodically. This is very important. If you just set a goal and forget about it then there is no point. You have to go back and see where you are regularly.

SMART Goals: A useful way of making goals more powerful is to use the abbreviation S.M.A.R.T. While there are plenty of variants, SMART usually stands for:

S=Specific

M=Measurable

A=Attainable

R=Relevant

T=Time-Bound

H/T: Laura Gelnett @ http://wahguidebook.blogspot.com/