Why do you need to set goals?

Because if you don't have a destination, you can count on never getting there.

Start with today.  Look at where you are, physically, financially, in your job, your marriage, your family, whatever is a priority for you. Really think about it and write it down.

Why write it down? Trust me, it gives it so much more power. When you think of something, that's it. It's a thought, an idea, a wish even. But, when you write it down it becomes much more concrete. You can see it and touch it. It exists. Your brain gets it.

So, write down where you are. Next, decide, really decide, where you want to be. If you live in a 3 bedroom and you want a 4 bedroom, write it down. If you're single and you want to be married, write it down. If you're married and you want more passion in your relationship, write it down. If you make $40,000 a year and you want to make $60,000, write it down.

Post your goals somewhere you'll see them regularly. I posted mine on a bulletin board next to my desk. My son, way more techie than I, has his listed on his laptop and checks them regularly.

Why is this important? Your goals are like a map. You've started out on a journey, we'll call it 2010, and you need to know where you're going. It's important to look at the map regularly to remind yourself where you want to end up and to chart whether or not you're getting closer to your destination. From time to time, youmay need to adjust your direction.

Break down your goals into manageable, doable, steps. If you want to loose 40 pounds this year, how many pounds is that per month? About 3 1/2. And, in 6 months, you should have lost about 20 pounds. Breaking it down like that helps you to chart your progress and keep in mind that you have 12 months to get there. If you're way ahead of schedule, you may be able to accomplish more. If you gain weight after a holiday, you know what you need to do to stay on that 12 month path.  Break down your steps into increments you can track.

Give yourself a time table. In the example here, we're using 2010 or 12 months. I like to start the year with a new 12 month, 3 year and 5 year plan. The first time I did that, I had no idea what to expect or what was realistic. Turned out that I accomplished everything, even the 5 year plan, all in just 6 months! What did that show me? I probably wasn't setting my goals high enough, and I was moving way too fast! I determined to slow down and allow myself time to enjoy the journey.

This was powerful. If I hadn't written down goals, I would not have accomplished as much, would not have had a plan and would not have had milestones to celebrate. Goal setting is a way to take charge of your life rather than simply reacting to what happens to you over time.

Set a date. You need a time table of some sort or your goals may end up wishes that you never get to. The more often you set goals in this way, the better you'll know what you can accomplish in a certain time and the more accurate your strategies become. The second year I set goals, it took me 8 months to hit my 12 month goal. The third year, I hit my goals at the end of October. I can now pretty accurately judge just how much I will accomplish in a 12 month time frame and I have lots of opportunity to celebrate my victories.

Have fun with your goal setting. Remember, your life is constantly evolving and your path toward your goal will be shifting. Another powerful thing that has happened as I've written and paid attention to my goals is that, if I'm not able to attain something I set out for, I understand why it didn't happen. Why do I have that insight? Because I'm paying attention.

For example, last year I had a goal to buy, renovate and sell 8 houses. I did not hit that goal. Why? Changes in the banking industry. Buying took longer than it had the previous 4 years. Getting the properties closed out took longer. My time for rehab and contract stayed the same, but working with lenders was the surprise.

If I didn't have a plan and wasn't tracking the results year after year, there's a lot of valuable business information I would not be aware of.

2010 will be gone in 12 months whether you plan for it or not. Since you're going to be there anyway, why not set goals and in 12 months we'll all celebrate how much we achieved.