Goal Setting involves establishing specific, measurable and time-targeted objectives... and is a major component of personal development literature.

I was part of a group of 1,800 who participated in a 4-hour goal setting workshop that was inspiring and educational. Although I have achieved innumerable goals in my life, I’ve not been great at writing them down along the way. I recall writing my dissertation which simply consumed most of my day and night. I followed the "Swiss cheese" method of breaking the whole into parts, which seemed to work out all right. 387 pages later, I completed my goal.

In setting a goal, there are a few valuable questions to ask yourself first:

• Why do I want to set this goal? – clarity is a must

• How do I intend to benefit from accomplishing this goal?

• What am I willing to sacrifice to attain this goal?

• Does this goal support my dreams?

The material from the workshop suggests that we set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals—starting off with the year 2030, then working backwards. So 20 years from now, how do you see your life—your health, your relationships, your personal and spiritual growth? What is your lifestyle? Who are your friends? In how many ways are you making the world a better place? What do you feel passionate about? Writing them down is magic. It is said that a goal not written down in only a wish. You must write them down. Write them all down—even the outlandish ones.

One of the presenters shared that he had just attended the best funeral ever. Each of the seven children gave a testimony to their father: everyone knew what he believed…there was no mystery about his life... he lived 100% of his life, with conviction and clarity... sucked the marrow out of life…was brutally honest... made a huge impact on his family, was selfless and didn’t hold back but went after what he wanted. He passed away a happy man with no regrets.

Sounds like a man who had strong core values which is where goals come from. Have you taken the time to examine your values? What is important to you? Do you play 100%? Do you take charge of life and of that voice that wants to make you right? Are you afraid to write down your goal for fear that you may not achieve it... or do you have faith that when you do your best things will always work out?

I returned from this conference with goal sheet in hand willing to do what it takes to achieve my goals, AND knowing that I am in partnership with a power that is ready to help and guide me achieve them, when I make the commitment, create the plan and take action.

Kevin Hall states in his book, Aspire, that a study of 4,000 retired executives revealed "the one thing they would do differently if they could live over again, is that they would carve out their life’s goals earlier." I am not a retired executive, but I would totally agree. I wish I knew then what I know now. Don’t wait. Carve out the time to write down your goals. Taking this action is taking steps to change your life. More to come on this subject in the next Life Change Lesson—stay tuned.