by John Anyasor

Created on: May 19, 2009   Last Updated: May 28, 2009

We all have goals that we'd like to achieve, that we'd like to attain. We all want the pleasure of knowing that we had the confidence to change ourselves through taking on and conquering difficult feats.

For example, we set goals every year on January 1st, thinking that this will be the day that everything changes. We say, I'll lose 15 pounds, or I'll get a 4.0 this quarter, or even I'll make 'X amount of money'. Then, not even midway through the year, we quit. We give up. We fall back in the rut that drove us to change in the first place. Suddenly the challenge that was meant to adorn us with praise is suddenly dragging us down into the depths of 'hard work'. When we actually have to sit down and devise a plan of attack in order to reach our goals, the majority of us want to quit. Having done this before myself, I can sympathize with that. You have been living in a pattern of regularity that seemed almost effortless and it's hard to change that pattern by just setting a goal for yourself. But realize that just wanting to change is not enough. You can tell all your friends and relatives about your new plan to backpack through Europe, but it means nothing without preparation, commitment, and enthusiasm. If you don't have these three things, don't bother trying to change yourself. You'll only succeed in wasting your own time.

I created this guide in order ensure that once people set goals of any variety, they will be sure to achieve them. Some goals can take anywhere from 5 minutes to even a year to complete, but keep in mind that if you follow all of these steps without fail, there is no doubt that your goal cannot be achieved.

Let's get started, shall we?

1. Understand why you're setting goals

Goals that you set for yourself should be just that; for yourself. Don't set goals to impress others or to compete with someone who has achieved more than you. Setting goals is about personal growth. The fact that you are taking the steps to achieve your goals is admirable in my opinion, but it doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks. In the end, you will receive the most benefit from achieving your goals. It doesn't matter how many people acknowledge you, or how many people like your goal. If you like it, that's all that matters.

2. Set a realistic goal

Okay, you know you want to change or improve something, but what? Do you want to go out more, or do you want to get good grades. Or do you want to do both? These are all great ideas for goals, but remember

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