Personal Goal Setting in Three Simple Steps

One of the things many people ask about is personal goal setting. Procrastination is a very common problem these days: people never get things done!

So what's the solution? Is there a way to get rid of procrastination? There is, by following these three steps.

1. Understand your goals

Always be clear about what your goals are. You have to know where you're heading before you leave the house, right? Even though this sounds like common sense, many people don't do it. They just live their lives and continue their studies without setting real, proper goals. My personal advice is to set goals that are:

• good,
• realistic and achievable, and
• specific.

It's better to say, "I want to get an A in this chemistry class," than "I want good grades in chemistry." The more specific you are, the clearer the goal will be.

2. Write them down

You have to, and I repeat, have to write your goals down, period. There's something about writing things down. I honestly don't know what it is, but I do know it works. When you write something down, you feel more committed to pursuing it than if you only keep it in your mind.

Try it and see for yourself!

3. Take action

Walk the walk; don't just talk the talk. Be patient and persevere, and go after your goals steadily. Empty words won't get you anywhere, so always keep that in mind.

For a more detailed walkthrough, read this guide to goal setting, or learn how to overcome procrastination.