Tip #1: Be realistic.

Goals will push you to become a better you. They make you stretch to reach them, otherwise they aren't really a goal, but they can't be set so high as to guarantee your failure. When you set goals, choose something that will definitely stretch you, but that you can realistically achieve. Dreaming big is definitely motivating, but so is saying to yourself, "Wow, I really can achieve this!" If you know you can do it, you'll be motivated to actually take the time to do it.

Tip #2: Write it down.

We have a tendency to forget what we are doing and why we are doing it. Things come up that you could consider as road blocks. Don't forget your goals. Stay motivated and on track to achieve your goals by writing them down and posting them in a place you see frequently like your mirror, your car dash board, and your refrigerator. Writing a goal down is the first step to achieving it. The more you see your goals and remember them, the more motivated you will be to achieve them.

Tip #3: Talk about it.

The best motivation tool for achieving goals is a partner. Choose a friend, spouse, sibling, or significant other and set your goals together. Talk about them and pump each other up to achieve them whenever you can. Work on your goals together. Return and report your progress to your partner on a weekly or monthly basis depending on the term of the goal. The more you talk about your goals, the more motivated you will be to achieve them.

Tip #4: Visualize it.

Besides posting your goal in places you'll see frequently, do something to help you visualize achieving your goal. If you want to loose weight, find pictures of a slimmer you and post them around your house with motivational words like, "You can do it!" If your goal is to obtain an item, like a new car for example, find pictures of the exact car you want. Be sure to include details like color, trim, options, etc. The more you can visualize the end product of your goal, the more likely you are to stay motivated to achieve it.

Tip #5: Schedule it.

Give yourself an end date for achieving your goal. You should also schedule stepping stones along the way to measure your progress. Let's take the car example again. You decide as your goal you want to replace your late 80's sedan with a Lexus ES350. Your stepping stones would be to save the down payment by a certain date, find a loan with the interest rate you want to pay, and find the dealership you want to buy it at. As each stepping stone is achieved, you get one step closer to your goal and it motivates you to keep going. If your goal doesn't have such obvious stepping stones, schedule dates to sit down and review where you are at. Each time you review, give yourself credit for