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A life goal list can be quite varied. Some people want to improve their health through dietary modifications and exercise routines. Other people want to manage their time better and have freer schedules. Perhaps it’s an unfulfilling job or a dissatisfying relationship that’s bringing an individual down. A simple “want” is different than a goal. It is not enough to desire change, for without a plan of action, little can realistically be accomplished. Here is a quick guide to understanding how to set goals — not just any goals, but goals you can achieve.

It is not enough to learn how to set goals: you must learn to set SMART goals, and to do so you just need to follow some guidelines. First, you must select a goal that is Specific. Instead of saying, “I want a new job,” you can say, “I want to work as a field reporter at WBTV.” Secondly, you need a goal that is Measurable, so you will know when success has been reached. You can choose your measurement by quantity, quality, cost, etc. Thirdly, your goals need to be Achievable. Setting realistic goals is the only way to find happiness. The fourth criterion is about Relevance; the goal must mean something to you and have an emotional tie for you, otherwise you will find motivation difficult. You also want to make sure you have the right resources. For example, you can’t say you want to be a WBTV reporter if you have no college experience. (Your first goal must be to get that experience.) Lastly, your goal must be Timed. With a start date and an end date, you will find added motivation.

Once you learn how to set goals, the trick is to create an organized life goal list. For instance, your overall goal may be to clean your room — which, over time, has become a disaster area. On your list, it doesn’t make sense for you to “put away laundry” before you “pick up laundry off the floor and wash it.” You won’t be able to “dust the dresser” until you have “thrown out paperwork on dresser” and “put away clothes sitting on dresser.” If your list is organized, you will be better able to meet all your short term goals, which will eventually lead you to your long term goal of having a clean bedroom.

Once you learn how to set goals, you may need to find an effective strategy that works for you, personally. For instance, if you are in $10,000 worth of credit card debt, you’re likely feeling pretty bummed out about the mountain of money owed to various credit card companies. For some people, the most practical strategy is to begin with the credit card balances that have the largest interest rates and pay those off first. This is a smart way to save more money in the long run, even though it takes longer to accomplish. Some people find it inspiring to see the biggest monkeys on their back fall off. For other people, the most inspiring way to tackle debt is to begin with cards that have the smallest balances because they can be paid off faster, their motivation remains high and the sense of personal achievement is greater.

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