We all set goals or at least make a wish list (verbal or written) of things to accomplish for the New Year. One of the most frustrating aspects of goal setting can be putting too many unrealistic goals on your list and then having the disappointment of having to see so many not finished.

My solution to this is to balance realistic goals with a few challenging ones and check off items as they are completed.  This checking off process is empowering!  Take a look at your list (or goals you have been thinking about) and consider how they are coming along. 

Don't take those really challenging goals off the list!  For the more challenging goals, it helps to put a long term milestone on your goal sheet (list, vision board, or spreadsheet).  Then break down the steps to reach your long term goal.  These become items which can be checked off as you reach them. 

Example:

My degree goal:  Long Term - Graduate 2010

Short term milestones: 

• Register for a course,
• Complete an assignment,
• Complete a course,
• Repeat

 These easier to reach goals build upon each other to reach the long term goal.  And... YES I am really really close to graduation.  Last review showed my course work will be completed by the end of May 2010 (then add a few weeks to compile everthing for my degree audit). 

Take a moment to list your goals.  When goals are challenging, break down the process to reach them and create short term milestones.  Celebrate every time you check an item off of your list! 

Bring your goals to life by creating a vision board (a poster with images) so you can imagine your goals completed and better prepare yourself for them to come true.  That's right.  Preparing for a goal to materialize has been said to be the most important aspect of goal setting and has likely been the downfall of many a goal.  But, then, that is another blog post all together.

Happy New Year!