Having a goal is not enough. You need a plan, and goal setting worksheets will help you organize your goals and walk you through the steps necessary for success.

We have all been taught the importance of goal setting and, in truth, our everyday lives consist of a series of little goals that we are constantly setting and achieving, even though we are often not conscious of this process. Arriving at work on time, preparing for a business meeting, or even completing household chores are all examples of goal achievement. These same principles can be applied on a larger scale to help you work toward your longer term or lifetime dreams. Wanting something, or even spending a lot of time thinking about it, will not provide enough focus to motivate you to move forward with your goal. You need to write your thoughts down and create a blueprint or road map that is very specific and provides clear direction so you know exactly what you are working toward and what steps you need to take to get where you want to go.

When a company applies for a loan, the first thing they are asked to provide is a business plan. Why? Because every good investor knows that a successful business begins with clear, concise goals and a strong plan of action. This is true in every area of life. People fail because they neglect to set goals, but those who follow through with their plans usually achieve success.

Goal setting worksheets are effective tools that will walk you through every aspect of the goal setting process and help you prepare a plan that will increase your likelihood of seeing your dreams become a reality.

1. Goal setting worksheets will help you see the big picture. They are great tools for visualizing the future and seeing yourself, or who you can become, a few years down the road. They can help direct your thoughts and life patterns so you will make decisions in light of your ultimate goal.

2. Goal setting worksheets will help you define your goals as well as identify the reasons 'why' these particular goals are important. For a goal to motivate you, it must be meaningful. The forms walk you through specific steps that will require you to think about your vision, your priorities, and your sense of purpose. You will get to know yourself on a deeper level, and in doing so, you will bring greater clarity and focus to your goals.

3. Goal setting worksheets will help you break your goals into smaller steps that are more attainable. Seeing the big picture is important because you must know your final destination before you begin your journey. However, getting from where you are to where you want to be can sometimes feel very overwhelming.

These forms allow you to set both short-term and long-term goals that will help you accomplish your dreams one step at a time. You can break long-term goals into yearly, monthly, weekly, and even daily goals – after all, we can do anything if we approach it one day at a time, right? The worksheets will ask you to list the steps necessary to achieve your plan and to prioritize your actions for success.

4. Goal setting worksheets will help you design a plan of action and identify the requirements necessary to pursue your goals. Achieving a goal, particularly a larger or longer term one, takes detailed planning. By outlining the steps you can take to accomplish your dreams you will know exactly what to do and be able to approach your goals from a very practical perspective. These forms will also help you identify any obstacles you may encounter so you are prepared to deal with them and will not be surprised by unexpected problems. This is especially important if you have shared goals that you are working toward with someone else such as a spouse, business partner, or team. Goal setting worksheets will outline each person's responsibilities and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to both the ultimate goal as well as the plan of action.

5. Goal setting worksheets provide accountability and allow you to monitor your success. Life has a lot of distractions and sometimes it is easy to lose sight of what you are working toward, so it is very beneficial to have a way to keep track of your progress. Check your worksheets regularly and mark off any objectives you have successfully reached. Recognizing your accomplishments will boost your self-confidence and motivate you to continue even when faced with setbacks or discouragements.

Continual monitoring will also help you identify where you went wrong so you can make revisions or adjustments along the way. Remember, your plan is not carved in stone. It provides direction and a framework for you to work within, but there may be times when circumstances require you to be flexible or make changes that will improve your plan of action.

6. Goal setting worksheets increase your chance of success and help you achieve your goals faster. Having a clear plan will keep you focused and motivated, especially if your short-term goals are realistic and measurable and allow you to celebrate successes on a regular basis. Many people fail to achieve a goal because they do not know what to do to make their dreams a reality. These forms provide clarity and focus so you know exactly what is expected on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Having a clear understanding of which steps you should take will help keep you committed and see the plan through to the end.

7. Goal setting worksheets provide time frames and deadlines. Breaking larger goals into smaller sections, determining which steps have to be taken, and setting a completion date is a great formula for success. The best way to turn procrastination into motivation is to assign a deadline. You may even benefit from being accountable to someone who will check to make sure you have met your time frame guidelines.

Committing your goals to paper will provide direction, keep you motivated and focused, and increase your self-confidence as you monitor your success along the way. By mixing big dreams with a practical approach you can bring clarity and focus to your goals that will keep you motivated and increase your chance of staying committed no matter what obstacles you may face.