Setting goals is imperative for making progress in life. It’s difficult to improve without clear focus. Here are some ways you can set and maintain achievable goals.

Set Motivating Goals

The best way to set and maintain goals is to make sure you’re motivated. You must see value in achieving those goals. Brainstorm by writing goals on paper. Pay attention to those goals that immediately make you feel excited.

Ask yourself how you would explain the value of a goal to another person. If you can’t explain it in a way that makes you feel motivation and excitement, then consider a different goal to pursue.

Set SMART Goals

SMART goals are:

• Specific: Make it well defined and clear.
• Measurable: Use dates and amounts so you know when you’ve succeeded.
• Attainable: A goal shouldn’t feel impossible to attain.
• Relevant: Make goals relevant to your career, business or life.
• Time Bound: Give yourself a deadline.

Write Your Goals Down

Writing a goal down on paper makes it “real” in your mind. State the goal in a positive manner, preferably as something you will do rather than something you will not do. For example, “I will write down three things I am grateful for each day” as opposed to “I will stop focusing on the things I don’t have”. The second option is not specific and doesn’t provide a clear path to accomplishing your goal.

Create a Plan Of Action

Don’t forget that writing goals isn’t the same as acting on them. Create an action plan by writing out the specific steps you need to take. Start with the end in mind so you gain mental clarity around the goal. What is the last thing that must happen for the goal to be accomplished? What must happen before that? Keep going until you have the first step to take.

Keep Going

Setting goals for self-improvement requires perseverance. You will always run into obstacles that frustrate you. Make a commitment to keep going and stick with your plans. That’s why you need to have goals that motivate you.

It’s not difficult to set and maintain achievable goals. It takes a little brainstorming and commitment. You can do this!