Deciding to make changes in your life is the first step in the process of personal transformation. Many people skip the next step but it can be the difference between just trying and succeeding in making the changes you’ve set out to make. That step is goal setting and it is just as important in, say, losing weight as it is in changing careers or getting out of debt. Unfortunately for many, setting goals may be easier said than done.

Cherie Sohen-Moe is an author, business coach and holistic practitioner who outlined six surefire goal setting techniques that are effective for anything you may be trying to accomplish. This list was posted in Massage Magazine’s current Future LMT newsletter. The six steps are as follows:

1. Always state your goals in the positive PRESENT TENSE. If you write in the future, they may remain in the future—never attained.
Shelley’s input: There is power in the written word so write your goals on a daily basis.
2. Personalize your goals: use a pronoun (I, we, they, your name) in every sentence.
3. Do not use the terms “try,” “will,” “not,” “never,” “should,” “would,” “could” and “want.”
4. Make your goals real: something you know you can accomplish on your own, without help or without someone waving a magic wand over your head.
5. Include deadlines whenever possible.
6. Keep your goals SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible, Enthusiastic, Rewarding).

Give these a try and be gentle with yourself. Most goals may seem unattainable in the beginning stages but consistency is the key to success. Before too long you will be in the habit of motivating yourself with positive, affirmative language. If you feel you still need a push, consider asking a friend or two (the most positive ones who believe in your goals) to be your support system. The can step in and help encourage you when you need it most and chances are you can return the favor helping them reach whatever goal they may have in mind.


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