The importance of setting goals...

Having a goal, no matter how big or small it may seem, gives us something to look forward to; it gives us focus and clarity. By setting goals for ourselves, we give more meaning to our lives.
Many people set a goal based on what they think they should want (or what other people tell them to want) and wonder why they feel unfulfilled when they achieve it. It is extremely important you are completely clear on what YOU want to achieve and what you want your life to be like once you have achieved it.
If you are unsure of what it is you want, asking yourself these questions will help you to decipher the areas of your life that you would like to improve:

What am I tolerating?
What am I pretending?
What am I enjoying?
What would I like to continue?
What would I like to do more of?
What would I like to do less of?

When you have decided on your goals; write them down. Write them in the present tense, as though you have already achieved them. Make sure you set a target date for the achievement of the goal. For example, if your goal was to holiday in Hawaii, you would write:

'It is November 5th 2009, I am lying on the beach, under a palm tree on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, drinking cocktails.'

Underneath this, describe everything about this achievement; how you are feeling; what you are seeing; thinking; hearing; smelling… absolutely anything that would help your goal seem more real. For example:

'I can feel the warmth of the Hawaiian sun of my skin, and the freshness of the ocean water at my feet. I hear the sounds of the waves, and music coming from the local restaurants. I can smell the salt of the ocean and the sweetness of coconuts. When I open my eyes I see the beautiful crystal blue ocean, soft sand, and bright green palm trees lining the beach. I feel extremely relaxed and free. I am proud of my amazing achievement and feel more confident and capable than I ever have before.'

There are many different techniques you can use that will help you stick to your goals.
After you have written your goals; stick them to a wall, mirror, door, refrigerator, or anywhere that you will see them every day. Repeat the goals to yourself at least once a day. As you read your goals; visualise your achievement; hear your loved ones congratulating you; feel as though you are there in the moment.
Ask a close friend or relative to join you in achieving similar goals, and check in on each others’ progress regularly.
Tell close friends or relatives about your goals and ask them to check in on you every week or two to see your progress.
Make a ‘Vision Board’. Place photos, articles, and drawings that fit in with your goals on a pin board. Going back to the Hawaii example; photos and images of Hawaii, beaches, hula dancers, etc. would be placed on the Vision Board. Spend at least 5 minutes a day looking at your Vision Board. Visualise the achievement of your goal. You could also use a journal or scrapbook to visualise your goals.
The more you visualize; the more real it will seem, and the easier it will be to achieve.
Most importantly, you must never give up on your goal, no matter what happens. Always take action, keep focussed, stay positive, and persevere. Remember, if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.