Setting goals is something we always do at work but what about setting goals for ourselves?  Are we content to merely live each day and wonder what's going to happen the next day? Can we not affect the results of tomorrow, and ultimately our future, by thinking of all the things we want to accomplish and acting on it incrementally?

Setting goals is not new to us but documenting them and planning how to make them come to fruition might be.  First of all, remove the mindset that setting goals is tedious and time consuming.  Your future and success are worth every bit of your time and dedication, do not feel burdened by the amount of planning it requires.  Nothing worthwhile comes at an easy price. Second, understand that your goals may need revision, as your priorities change so will your goals.  Third, put a timeline or a due date as to when you want to accomplish your goals, create short term and long term goals.  Finally, categorize your goals into: personal, professional, and financial goals.  This will allow you to compartmentalize and asses your goals.

When writing your goals, remember the following, they must be: specific (what do you want?), measurable, actionable, realistic and has a time constraint.  Remember to write down how you are going to accomplish your goals.  For example, if your goal is to have $1000 as an emergency fund in ten months, then your plan of action is to save $100 a month.

It will do one well to revisit goals after three, six and twelve months.

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