Get more of what you want in life by setting SMART Goals!

Studies show that only three percent of us set goals and they accomplish ten times more than the rest of us do!  Goal setting is one of the most important tools successful people use to reach success way beyond the levels of ordinary mortals.

Sit down and give careful thought to what you want to achieve over the coming weeks, months, and years.  Goal setting is quick, easy and incredibly effective.   Only a small investment in tine and effort will yield amazing results!   It's guaranteed to help you achieve more of what you want in life faster and easier than you ever dreamed possible!

If you've ever taken a business course or read books on goal setting, you've probably already been introduced to the concept of SMART goals.

S - Specific.  The goal must not be vague, but as specific as possible.

M - Measurable.  The goal must be something you can measure.  In other words "be happy," can not be a goal, but, "buy a new house," or "publish my book" can be. 

A - Actionable or achievable.  You must be able to directly influence the outcome of your efforts.  "Win the lottery" can not be a goal as that is something completely out of your control. "Lose 20 pounds," is actionable, as is, "Start my own Blog."

R - Realistic.  Your goal must be realistic.  It must be something that is humanly possible for you to achieve.  "Become President of the United States," is probably not a realistic goal for you, but, "Become City Council President" just may be.  If the goal is too big to be realistic, break the goal down in smaller steps. 

T - Timed.  The exact date for achieving the goal must be set.  The goal can not be open ended.  Timing your goal adds urgency and motivation for you to complete the goal in a timely manner.  The goal, "Lose 20 pounds," would be completed with a date, "Lose 20 pounds by December 31, 2012."

SMART goals meet all the above criteria.  SMART goals work because the vague nature of our wants and desires are now defined.  In their place are highly targeted goals that give you razor sharp focus to achieve your dreams.

Three great online tools to help you find success and reach your dreams.

43 Things:  A social networking site with three million people that helps you identify your dreams and goals.  You list your goals and can see what others have as their goals.  The site helps you keep on track to achieving your goals and provides moral support and inspiration as you can talk to others about common goals.

One Question:  Take a test to figure out your purpose in life.  The site has articles to help you identify your goals and dreams, as well.

Dreamminder:  Use their dream wizard to identify your dreams and the site will send your written dream back to you in the future.  Reading the dreams of others helps get you inspired.

Our first step is to define what success means to us!

Too many of us go through life without reaching success, not because we haven't tried, but simply because we've failed to define what success even means to us.  How can we reach success if we don't even know what it is?  Instead, we sleepwalk through life, doing the things we've been told we're supposed to do and wondering why deep inside it doesn't feels quite right. 

Our first step, then is to define what success means to us.  Is is success in our career?  Having a healthy and happy family?  Becoming a published writer?  Making a positive impact on the world?  Sit down with a pad and paper and start brainstorming what success looks like to you.  And don't forget your childhood dreams either, some may still have a place in your life!  Don'tt edit what you write.  Don't second guess yourself.  Write until your hand hurts.  Hidden somewhere in the results will be your destiny!

It's time to live the life we were meant to live!

It's time to stand up and take action!  It's time to do what you love!  Dream big!  Live with purpose and passion!  It's time to make your life count and leave a legacy you'll be proud of when you go, not so quietly, into that good night. 

Every moment of your life has led up to this one.  Every success.  Every failure.  Every dream you've achieved and every dream you've left behind.