Effective goal setting plays a key role in achieving success and fulfilling your dreams. Think of goal setting as a map or a chart for obtaining desired results.

It is a powerful process that helps you identify where you are now, where you want to be and how you are going to get there.

Many of the great leaders or athletes that you admire all use the same process as a means to achieve great success. It is important because it encourages you to narrow in on precisely what you are striving for.

Someone who hasn't set goals will find they lack purpose and direction in their life.

Whether you're concerned with improving your personal life or your career, appropriate goals can help you create your own destiny.

So what exactly is an appropriate or effective goal? It is the kind of goal that is inspiring. These clearly defined goals help you to grow and develop yourself, and they help you to work outside your comfort zone.

If you want to really achieve success, you must set goals that are specific. Have a clear and vivid picture of your goal. Instead of saying "I want to make more money" a better statement might be " I want to make $60,000 by December 2008."

The more clearly defined your goal statement is the closer it will bring you to your objective.

You need to be able to track your progress and know when you are moving closer to your target or further away from it.

Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. Break down your goal into easy to handle chunks. Understand that you can have short term or long term goals.

You can have goals you want to achieve in a week, some you want to achieve in a month or even those to achieved in a year. Setting goals is not about being overwhelmed, it's about being in control.

Remember your goal must have a time constraint; you must have a deadline, something to work towards.

Don't forget to write down your goals. Become familiar with them and revisit them daily.

Once you've got your goals down on paper, you must create an action plan to achieve them. Indeed having an actual goal is important, but an integral part of goal setting is figuring out the path to success and outlining the steps you need to take to get there.

You will be amazed at the sense of fulfillment and personal satisfaction you will receive once you start accomplishing your objectives.

You will finally feel as though your life is moving forward and you will begin to approach your life with more clarity and focus.

Use goal setting to land that new job, take that big trip to Europe,improve your relationships with friends and family or finally lose those last ten pounds.

Ultimately goal setting is about being proactive. Understand how the same formula can be applied to all areas of your life. The right tips and tools can help you lay down the foundation to your success.

Goal setting gives you the freedom to choose the life you want to live.

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