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The key to setting goals is to have a plan and make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T.
Specific –Your goals need to be specific. They cannot be vague or just something you mention in passing. For example, if you want to save more money you must know exactly how much you would like to save.
Measurable –Your goals have to be measurable. How are you going to track your savings? How much are you going to save? Are you going to save weekly, monthly, or quarterly? Finally, how will you know when you have reached your goal? Setting a concrete amount will allow you to know if you’ve saved enough and keep you motivated for the process.
Attainable –Goals must be attainable in order for you to be successful in reaching them. Yes, we all want to be millionaires, but if your career pays modest wages you most likely won’t be able to save a million dollars. Start with an amount that is well within your reach will keep you on track and motivated.
Relevant –Keeping your goal relevant is just as important as it being attainable. However, for this step of the goal you want to make sure the goal you are setting will make a meaningful impact in your life. Sticking with the theme of saving money, you would want to make sure that your goal amount will make an impact on your financial situation. If you set your goal for $100 you will need to ask yourself if that amount will have an effect on your financial stability.
Timely –Making sure your goal is timely is setting a time for the goal to be achieved. This is extremely important for the progress of your goals along the way and it allows you to check yourself to make sure you are staying on track. Achieving your goal on or before the date you set will be such a gratifying experience.