Goal setting is one of the secrets of success. All successful people set goals. If you don’t set goals, you are actually setting yourself up for failure. So goal setting is very important for success.

In this article, I will share with you some great tips to help you set goals.

Set Specific Goals

Goals must be specific; not unrealistic. To say you will become a millionaire in a month is a goal you may not meet. However, if the measure of success is reasonable, it can be attainable using your own standards for success.

Acquire the Neccessary Skills

Setting goals is one thing, acquiring them is another. To attain your goals, you most likely need to acquire some skills. So, don’t be afraid to learn new skills. If the knowledge and skills can help you to achieve your goals, equip yourself with the skills needed. Don’t hesitate in investing yourself in getting the knowledge and skills you need to attain your goals.

Prioritize your Goals

You may have many goals but don’t try to focus on everything at once. Priority is key here. Choose those goals that have higher urgency and focus on those first. Focus on one goal at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to do too many things at the same time.

Write Down the Steps

Write down the steps or sctivities you need to achieve your goals. You need to do this in a form of action plan that consists of all the steps, instructions, resources needed and timeline.

Never Give Up

Like anything that is worth doing, sufficient time and effort are needed to achieve them. You are going to face challenges and setbacks, you should be consistent and persistent with your effort. Setbacks will get in the way, but don’t give up the dream, the goal, or the path that will lead you to it.

Keep up the Motivation

Motivation is very important in driving you forward. An effective way to keep up your motivation is to give yourself a small rewards when you succeeded to achieve some goals. The rewards don’t need to be expensive. Small rewards such as treating yourself to a movie, a dinner out, a shopping spree, etc.

Hold Yourself Accountable

When it comes to writing down your goals, don’t write something like… "One day I will become a millionaire.”, "One day I will own my own business.”, "One day I will become my own boss.”

All these statements are very weak. They are not specific enough. The secret of goal-setting success is to be specific, realistic and have a deadline on it. For instance, "I will start a Internet home based business on 21st February 2011.” "I will earn an extra income of $1,000 per month by 15th March 2011.”

Goals are very important in our life. Without goals, there is no direction; no focus; no reason to become involved in anything worthwhile. More importantly, controlling that which we wish to achieve is how we live; how we operate our business; how we can enhance our skills; and how we gain self-confidence. Goals must be specific; measurable; achievable, realistic and have a timeline.