What are goals?
In order to set good goals to keep your motivation, it's important to know the difference between goals and objectives. An objective is the thing in which you would like to obtain as an end result. For example, let's say you would like to write a book. Your objective would be actually completing the book. Setting smaller goals along the way, such as writing an outline by the end of the month or finishing a certain number of chapters a week, are goals that will help you to stay motivated and reach your bigger objective.

Because your objective will most likely be a daunting task, smaller goals along the way will help you to stay motivated as you accomplish small victories to reach your overall objective.

How to set goals
In order for your goals to be effective, they need to be set in such a way that they are obtainable. Not only will this help you to stay motivated, but it will also help you to reach you overall objective faster.

The following are some suggestions for setting goals that will help you to stay motivated:

• Start with an objective. Your first step will be deciding on an objective, or the thing you want to achieve overall.


• Start small. The best way to set manageable goals that will help you stay motivated is to start small. Let's say your goal is to lose 20 pounds. Instead of setting difficult goals like "Stop eating junk food" or "Work out for an hour every day," try setting smaller, more manageable goals such as, "Only eat junk food on weekends," or "Work out for 30 minutes 3 times a week."


• Write it down. Writing your goals down is important for many reasons. It helps to be able to see them in writing because you will be better able to remember them. Writing them and posting them is also important as seeing them on a daily basis will give you a constant reminder. Put them in applicable places as well; for example, on a mirror you will see every day.


• Set deadlines. Your goals will only be effective if you give yourself time limits and deadlines for them. Just as you set realistic goals, make sure your deadlines are realistic as well; for example, an unrealistic deadline or time frame would be, "Lose 5 pounds a week."


• Refer to your goals when you are feeling unmotivated. If you feel like your motivation is slipping, refer to your goals to help you see the overall objective. In addition, feel free to change your goals as necessary by making them a little harder or easier if you feel the need.

Staying motivated when working to achieve an objective can be difficult, but goals can help you to say motivated.