Tips on How to Set Goals
by Neen James


There are many ways you can set goals and there are many books you can read about how to do this. Here are a few simple and practical suggestions to make this easy for you.

1. Set an appointment with yourself

    Make time in your diary to find a comfortable and quiet location to set your goals. I spend a morning     in January at the Sheraton on the Park (a beautiful hotel in Sydney city) every year in the same spot,     and I set my new goals for the year.

2. Review your goals regularly

    Each year when I set my new goals I also review the previous year’s goals to see how I went     against target. This is a rewarding activity – give it a try.

3. Set up 5 categories or headings for your goals:

    • Physical
    • Educational
    • Spiritual
    • Financial
    • Relational

    This will help you create a balanced approach to your goal setting.

4. Write down your goals

    It makes them more powerful when you can see them.

5. List the possible obstacles and how to overcome those


    For each goal you have set yourself, spend some time considering all the possible obstacles that     will get in your way and develop a plan to overcome those obstacles.

6. Write the goals in positive language

    Use words like “I will” and “I am” – this will help you feel as if you have already achieved it. i.e. “I am     going to the gym 3 times per week”

7. Review them twice a day

    I have been told that the difference between a millionaire and a billionaire is that a billionaire reads     their goals twice a day. Simple really.

8. Stick your goals around the house

    I have my goals in several locations in my house including on my bathroom mirror, on my printer,         outside my shower screen, on the fridge and on my printer, on my bedside table and in my wallet –     these are all places I see every day and it makes it easy for me to read them every day (more than     once…)

9. Share your goals with a buddy

    Make yourself accountable to someone else you trust. Share your list with them and ask them to         check on you regularly to see if you are on track.

10. Allocate timeframes for completion of each goal


    Give yourself specific timeframes for the achievement of each goal and you are more likely to             achieve it.

11. List your reward for each goal you set yourself

    Don’t just make a big list. For each goal you have achieved determine an appropriate reward for         when that has been achieved. This will inspire you to repeat the behaviour as you reward yourself     each time.

Goals can help you boost your performance, feel better about yourself and help you achieve an amazing life – start today.


About the Author
Article by Neen James, a productivity expert, motivational speaker and corporate trainer based in the United States. Website: www.neenjames.com