Most people have a 5 year plan, or at least a goal/list they want to complete by the time 5 years is up.  In order to be successful at completing said goal, you first need to define the task at hand, and define what success will look like.  But setting goals is more difficult than just  saying you want to do something, you can’t just expect things to happen.  The article, “Golden Rules of Goal Setting,” posted on Mindtools.com outlines the rules to setting goals to give yourself the best shot of achieving them. They are…
1. Be sure to set goals that are Motivating
2. Set SMART goals (Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time Bound) meaning they are clear and well defined, able to be tracked and measured on degree of success, possible for you to achieve, relevant to where you want to be in your career and in life, and has a deadline.
3. Write them down- having a visual reminder helps
4. Create a plan around your goals
5. Stick to it!
The article goes into further depth and provides tips to turn your goals into achievements!