Most experts in goal setting agree that the way in which you set your goals determines their effectiveness. There are a number of guidelines that you can use to make your goal setting more effective.

First, be sure and make your goals a positive statement. Focus on what you want, not what you don't want. This may seem an obvious statement, however, many of us unconsciously focus on what we don't want. When we do this we give our energy to the wrong result.

Second, be as precise and as specific as you can be when goal setting. Decide on dates and times that you plan on completing your goal. If you are focusing on a money goal, then make sure you state the exact amount you plan on achieving.

Break your goals down into small steps that are believable and achievable. If your goals are too big, you will tend to become discouraged. Setting small achievable steps will have the effect of building momentum and propelling you toward your end goal. Remember the old saying: You can only eat a hamburger one bite at a time and taking big bites only causes indigestion.

Next, be sure and prioritize your goals. Having too many goals is just as bad as having none at all. We can effectively focus on one thing at a time. This doesn't mean we cant have multiple goals. This means that it is best to keep the number of goals small and manageable. In this way we can give our attention to one goal at a time and not become overwhelmed.

In goal setting, don't be afraid to adjust your goals as you go along. This doesn't mean you're a failure. Things happen and we often face obstacles we didn't plan on when working on our goals. Examine how you feel about your goals at that point. If some of them have become no longer important, then drop them and focus on the ones you still want. Be flexible with yourself, but, at the same time, keep your eye on your end result.

One of the most powerful acts in goal setting is writing them down. The very act of writing down your goals supplies a kinesthetic connection to our brains. It helps make our goals believable and achievable. Some goal setting experts advocate writing down your goals every day. This reinforces the goals. Try this and see if it works for you.

Finally, your goal setting and achieving should be fun and enjoyable. If your goals become drudgery, then you need to reexamine them. Effective goal setting should bring joy into your life and make your life an adventure.