A key element in successful goal making is to be specific. A clearly defined goal is much easier to achieve than a goal that has little or no structure. After all, unless you have a clear vision for what your goal is, how will you know whether or not you have achieved it? No one likes feeling like what they want is just out of their reach, but this feeling is all too common when there is no structure in what we do. In addition to having a specific goal, there are two other factors that can make or break a good goal.

The efficiency by which a goal is accomplished also depends heavily on the perceived proximity and difficulty of the task at hand. Proximity refers to the time between initiating the goal and achieving it. The shorter the period between starting and finishing something is, the easier it is to be motivated to do it. This does not mean that long-term goals are doomed for failure. It simply means that setting shorter term goals that get you closer to accomplishing a more long term goal, will generally end more successfully.

In addition to being able to accomplish a goal in a reasonably short period of time, you need to make sure that the goal itself is not too difficult. Goals that seem insurmountable are often never even attempted because of the perceived amount of work that it will take. Additionally, goals that are overly simple are not a good idea either.

Overly simplified goals are hard to take seriously and are often dismissed or perceived as unimportant. Being challenged is important, but you also need to feel like there is a strong probability that you will succeed. Otherwise, you will not be motivated to even try.

There needs to be a powerful reason for wanting to achieve your goal. This reason is often called the motivating factor. If there is nothing to be gained by working to achieve a goal, there is no reason to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Setting goals that you can be motivated to achieve also needs to include an understanding of what types of things you are motivated by. In general, most people fall into one of two motivational categories; those who are motivated by internal rewards and those who are motivated by external rewards. Individuals, who are intrinsically motivated, tend to be more likely to be able to achieve a goal by themselves because they hold the reason for achieving the goal within themselves. On the other hand, extrinsically motivated people must look to other people or things to find the motivation to get something done.

By understanding how to set goals that you are likely to be able to achieve and by understanding the best way to motivate yourself to accomplish those goals, you will find that it becomes easier to do those things that are important to you. Remember, if you wish to attain a goal, you first need to empower yourself.