Goal Setting Part 2 of 6

Part TWO of a six-part series on Goal Setting

4.  Areas of your life to consider for goal setting: Here are a number of possible areas of your life to think about when you are developing your goals list: Career, financial, relationship, family, home, friends, personal development, health, appearance, possessions, fun and recreation, travel, spiritual, self esteem and service/community. Some types of goals include: personal development such as emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.

Then there are "thing" goals like vacations, cars, yachts, antiques, houses, etc. Another area is financial goals—savings, net worth, retirement income, investments, etc. Make sure you include some health and energy goals because they are the foundation of a successful and satisfying life.

5. Goals time frames: Goals fall into varying time periods such as: Immediate goals, 30 day goals, 6 month goals, 1 year goals, 5 years, 10 years or longer. Make sure you can accomplish what you want in the time frame you set.

6. Here are four tips for writing effective goal statements:

* Say it like it's already happened: When writing your goal, say it like it has already happened. For example, "I now have a new silver BMW 4 door 2010 sedan."

* Use motivating language: To get you passionate, committed and motivated, add emotional language to your written goals. Here's an example "I absolutely love and am excited about my beautiful new home in the hills" which is much more passionate than "I like my new home in the hills".

* Write specifically and in detail: Because your subconscious manifests things literally, you want to write specific detailed goals. Use language that is clear in describing exactly what it is you want.

* Write in positive terms rather than negative ones: Examples of positive statements might be: "I am now free of the habit of smoking", or "I am now a smoke free person". Negative examples might be: "I don't smoke anymore" or "I'm not a smoker".

7. Be sure they're really YOUR goals: Check in with yourself to make sure that you're thinking about what YOU really want. Often we try to please others at our own expense. You won't be successful trying to reach the goals your parents, spouse or other friends or relatives want for you.

Tomorrow: Part THREE of the series on Goal Setting.