To be successful, it is vital to set goals. I often tell my dental offices, that don't believe in setting goals, you are rowing a boat with one oar; the only place you are going is in circles. As kind of a goal setting 101, I recommend these steps:

1. Keep them few in number: studies show that you really can't focus on more than 5-7 items at one time. Create a list that is easily remembered.
2. Make your goals S.M.A.R.T: the acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-specific.
   1. Specific-use who, what, where, when, which, why.

Who is involved?

What do I want to accomplish?

Where will I do this?

When do I want to do this? Establish a time frame.

Which roadblocks could throw me off course?

Why am I doing this? Be very specific in your reasons. For example, just don't say, "I want to lose weight," say, "I want to lost 20 pounds."

Measurable- remember the old adage, "You can't manage what you can't measure. You can measure weight loss on your scale.

Attainable- they should stretch you slightly so you feel challenged, but defined well enough so that you can achieve them. You must possess the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to achieve the goal.

Realistic- can you lose 20 pounds by tomorrow?

Time-specific- make sure that each goal has a "by when" date. I want to lose 20 pounds by my birthday.

3. Write them down. If you don't write your goals down then they are dreams.

4. Review them frequently. This is what turns them into reality and inspirational.

5. Share with those that will be supportive but also make you accountable.

Good Luck with your goal setting and remember:

"Go for the moon. If you don't get it, you'll still be heading for a star"
Willis Reed