The accomplishment of anything great begins with clear goals. Well defined goals are part fantasy and part pragmatism. If you can dream, conceive and believe, then you can achieve your goals. It is important to realise that achieving any goal will take persistence, commitment and a willingness to forego temporary pleasures for the pursuit of your goal.

Goals will give you a well defined purpose, a sense of accomplishment and a mastery over your environment.

Step 1: Create A Vision / Dream
Before you set a goal you must have a clear mental picture of what you wish to achieve. Creating a vision is seeing beyond what is to what could be.

You must get in touch with your true desire. Be Honest! What is important? What matters? What do you care about? What do you really want? It must be truly meaningful to you.

Many people have a difficult time creating a vision because that vision may be far removed from reality. Yet it is that gap between the vision and current reality that creates a tension that propels you towards your dream.

You must keep your dream fixed in your mind at all times, with NO COMPROMISING!!

Step 2: Decide on Actions
Now that your vision is clear, you can begin to determine the actions that must be taken to achieve the vision. These actions become the specific goals that are to be accomplished. A goal is a target, an end or an objective which when achieved brings you closer to your vision.

Ask yourself, “What do I need to accomplish to reach my dream?”, then list the various ideas that come to mind.

Step 3: Identify Roadblocks
Having identified the actions required it is also important to identify potential road blocks. There are two good reasons for this, first if you are able to think about what problems can stop you, you can generate plans to get around the problems it if they should arise. And second when they do come up they don’t hinder you. Most people have their goals undermined when problems surface.

Some examples of roadblocks you may anticipate are (1) not enough time, (2) fear of going to university, (3) financial constraints. For each of the roadblocks, develop a strategy to get around the problem. For example getting a loan or part-time job to pay for tuition. Also talk to friends or others who faced similar difficulties, to assist you in finding solutions to problems.

Step 4: List Benefits
You also need to generate a list of benefits you will receive when you reach your goals. The question that needs to be answered is, “ Do the benefits make the goal worthwhile? It the answer is yes, you know that it is worth tackling the problems to achieve the benefits. Focussing on the benefits will get you through the tough times!

Step 5: Write the Goal – Be SMART
There is something magical about writing down goals. Without writing down the goal it is merely an idea or a wish. Writing it down helps to bring it to life. In addition, you will need to read your goals on a weekly/daily basis to keep the focus on what you want to achieve.

Use the SMART model.

Specific – Good goals are specific. They detail exactly what is to be accomplished.

Measurable – Measuring your results helps to keep you moving towards your goal and tells you how successful you are. It is a great motivator.

Attainable – Goals should challenge your abilities but be within your reach, otherwise you will become de-motivated.

Relevant – Make sure your goals are relevant to your vision.

Time Bound – A deadline sets a time frame to get things done and move unto the next step. Without it tomorrow never comes.

Design An Action Plan
The last stage in the Goal Setting process is a step-by-step breakdown of the small daily/weekly/monthly actions required to achieve each goal with deadlines. Each time you complete an action check it off and celebrate!!

EXAMPLE - Goal: To register for university by March 2001

Specific Actions Time Frame / Deadline

1. Take self-assessment Nov 18
2. Talk to counselor Nov 29
3. Research career options Dec 1 - 15
4. Research financing Dec 16 – 31
5. Select universities and obtain registration packs Jan 1 - 31
6. Apply to university Feb 27

Remember, the secret to achieving goals is your willingness to do whatever it takes to get there. Implementation is the key! It is also important to continuously set new goals and new dreams so that there is constant activity towards achieving something new. Success is a process not a destination!