Some people set goals that they never move towards. Why is that? You've done it yourself, and so have I! With a little insight, we can learn why and how to set the achievable goals that really count!

If you set something too unachievable, it means one of two things:

1. You’ve got a dream rather than a goal.
2. You don’t really have a strong enough motivation (think: why?).

For the best tips on nailing these issues and setting powerful goals that work for you, see the accompanying article The Secrets to Setting Strong Goals. For now, here are the top tips you need for setting good, achievable goals.

1. Be Fluid. Once written, they don’t have to be in stone. There’s no disgrace in dumping, enhancing or rewriting your goals according to changing needs, wants or circumstances.
2. Be Simple. They say that going after your goals shouldn’t feel like balancing your accounts. No need to over-elaborate with your plans. If they consist of a myriad of sub-goals, spreadsheets, lists, tick boxes and graphs, you’ve missed the point.
3. Be Measured. No need for a million goals! Too many and you’ll dissipate your efforts. You’ll spend more time looking at them, organising lists and keeping them at the front of your mind than actually achieving them.
4. Be Imaginative. Goals don’t have to be business-related. Smaller, funnier goals can build your confidence for your bigger, more audacious objectives. Learning a song on the piano or guitar, seeing a movie a week for the month, going to an opera, learning to draw cartoons, writing a magazine article or asking out a complete stranger are examples of different, interesting, personal and fun goals.
5. Be Regular. You’ve got to keep on top of your goals. Review your list weekly. Keep them. Keep them at the forefront of your mind, keep on top of them and keep them relevant to your needs, wants and circumstances. If you don’t, they’ll drift and weaken.
6. Be Accountable. Tell others. Share with your coaches, mentors, friends and key contacts. Allow them to hold you to account, not just for their ultimate realisation but also for any other action plans along that road. This gives you an incentive to achieve and the support to endure.

Setting goals is a proven way to 'up your game' and fast track your way to success. You just have to follow the rules to make them work for you.