The process of successful goal setting should always begin with a self discovery. What is it that yo really want to be, do, and have? Do you want to be an online marketer, learn to race cars, own a yacht and sail around the world? What will get excited just thinking about it. What did you think about a lot when you were younger, what were your dreams? Write these things down, pay close attention to those which give yo a thrill just thinking about them.

Once you have a list of the things which you really want to be, do, and have, take several things you've listed which you believe you can complete within the next year, three years, and five years. You'll want to choose things which will get you excited and also be a reach to accomplish. Write a 1, 3, or 5 next to the items, depending on when you believe you will have it complete.

Next, you'll write out a set of goals. 3"X5" index cards make great goal cards, they are large enough to write plenty of goals on each one and they are small enough to carry with you anywhere. One method of goal writing which is very successful is the "SMART" method. This is the acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time connected. Some other important aspects of goals is that they be powerful, exciting, and fun. Powerful in that they draw you toward them, exciting in that they challenge you, and fun so that you always want to be going after them.

Be certain that you will have to really make things happen to attain your goals. If you are setting goals which are easily attainable, you'll be wasting your time and the tremendous tools you are learning. If you're not really working and stretching a little to make your goals, you'll get there without using these methods. Challenge yourself and this system to make it work.

You'll use the present tense to write all of your goals. Please write them as follows: Today is September 30, 20__ and I have $_____, in the bank, I now drive a _____(color) _____(make) ______(model), and live in a glorious ___bedroom, ___bathroom home with a pool and a ___ car garage in _____, (city) ____(state). Remember, present tense.

There is a subtle difference here but please stick to the present tense. In other words you want to write your goals "as if" they have already happened. Writing and repeating your goals as if they were somewhere in the future will keep them there, in the future.

Write out your goals for each of the one year, three year, and five year periods, and be certain to write each in the present tense. Once you have done this, look for the next article in the series which is about bringing your emotions to your goal setting exercises. This method will assist you in bringing your goals into reality more quickly.