Today we are going to talk about Setting Goals for Success.

Without execution, visions will remain just that - visions or dreams. Establishing goals and writing them down in ink sets the wheels in motion to creating your ideal life.

For the record, I don’t believe anyone should set the goals for someone else. They might be able to ask questions and help them think but each person should come up with their own goals and timeframes they want to achieve each goal. Goals are personal decisions.

There is a school of thought that says every goal a person sets should be an S.M.A.R.T. goal. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible. Note: The “T” can also stand for Timely. I add to this a requirement that goals must have a specific target date for achievement, including a month, day, and year.

Another powerful component of goal setting relates to how you will feel once you have attained each of your goals. This adds the emotional element that helps inspire you even more. Picturing how you’ll feel after achieving your goals is like an emotional magnet that pulls you to do what you need to do so you can experience goal achievement.

I have to mention that I take issue with the words realistic and attainable. After all, who defines what is possible in the realm of reality? I believe goals should be “stretch goals,” goals that are achievable, and also require that the person stretch their limits. This extra push provides inspiration and motivation. Stretch goals are win-win. Even if you fall short of achieving a stretch goal, you’ve still exceeded your “realistic” goal. This is my belief.

The word attainable bothers me for similar reasons. Obviously, you want your goal to be within reach, but that same “stretch” should be added for additional motivation and inspiration. For example, if you set a goal that you think is attainable, add something extra on to that goal for it to be a stretch. Let’s say, based on last year’s revenue, you think you can increase your revenue by 10% this year. What would happen if you set your goal to increase your revenue by 15%, 17%, or 20%? You would probably be even more creative and come up with ways to achieve that “stretch” goal.

In theory, working toward your goals is not complicated.

Most days, most of the things you do should move you toward your goals.

Perfection isn’t a requirement. Rather, consider what would happen if most of what you said and did every day moved you toward your goals.

Your goals can be anything you wish – there are no limits. In fact, it is better if you stretch your visions beyond what you believe is possible.

The reason is because you are probably capable of so much more than you currently believe. The mind has the ability to be our best friend or our worst enemy. As our best friend, it serves our limitless visionary, but as our worst enemy it serves as our limited perception.

Go to http://www.accountabilitycoach.com/landing/ and get 3 FREE gifts including a special report on 10 Power Tips for Getting Focused, Organized, and Achieving Your Goals Now. Join the Silver Inner Circle (IT’S FREE) and receive 10% off on all products and services in addition to having access to many assessments and complimentary resources so you can begin achieving your goals in the timeframe you want, so you can have the life you desire. Get started today by going to http://www.accountabilitycoach.com/coaching-store/inner-circle-store/ and Join the FREE Silver Inner Circle.

Aim for what you want each and every day!

Anne Bachrach

The Accountability Coach™

Author of Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule and Live Life with No Regrets. Get your copies today.