Does personal goal setting work? Many people want things, situations or accomplishments, call these goals, and then are disappointed when they don't get them. Call desires goals if you want, but just naming your desires sure isn't effective goal setting. Good goals have some or all of
following: 1. They are specific. "I want to be healthy" is too general. "I want to lose weight and walk three times a week," is better.
2. They are measurable. How many pounds do you want to lose? How much money do you want to make? How will you know if your relationship is better?
3. They are in writing. There is power in writing down your goals. It makes them more real, and this influences your subconscious mind, especially if you review goals regularly.
4. They are realistic. Sorry, but even if it is possible that you could become an astronaut, if you're already 55, you better try for becoming a pilot for now. Unrealistic goals set you up for failure.
5. They have deadlines. You'll have a new job by when? Setting dates really helps your progress.
6. They become plans. Making a goal into specific steps makes it much more likely. It isn't overwhelming to take one step at a time.
