Setting goals is the key to continued success in life. It is far easier to set solid goals if you have a solid formula for doing so. SMART goals give you that formula. Here are seven tips for setting goals the SMART way.

The acronym SMART stands for goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Specific- Make your goal numbers based. If you want to become rich do not set a goal for having a whole lot of money. Instead set your goal in this way: I make $50,000 a month starting on January 21, 2015. That is a very specific goal that you can set your sites on.

Tip 1- When you have specific goals it is easier to see the target. You can get clear on the destination you are striving to reach. With a specific target you can gather all the knowledge and skill that is necessary to hit the goal. When you don't have goals that you can easily identify then it is hard to focus all of your efforts on one aim.

Measurable- Make you goal a measurable objective. That is the reason why you need a goal that is based on attaining targets that are numbers based. You will need to have numbers to refer to in order to know if you are on target or off track.

Tip 2- The more specific that your goal is the easier it will be for you to know when you are progressing towards actually achieving it.

Tip 3- Keep a journal of your progress. It will help to motivate you to hit your goals.

Attainable- Set goals which are attainable. Getting rich overnight is not a good goal. It is not something that you can do with just the setting of a goal. Be sure your goal is not impossible. You want to have a goal that is something that is within reach.

Tip 4- Set goals that you believe are achievable and you will have the persistence that is needed to weather the storms. When faced with struggles and setbacks it is easier to overcome them when you believe deep down that you can hit your goal.

Realistic- If your goal is not realistic then you are destined for frustration and futility. If you set a goal to become a millionaire in 2 months and you are only making $2,000 a month right now then you are setting yourself up to fail. It is not a realistic goal to go from making $2,000 to making a million in just 2 months. It would be wiser to set a goal which builds up to a million dollars over a longer period of time. It gives you the ability to grow into the goal by acquiring the skills, knowledge and confidence that is required to earn that amount of money.

Tip 5- A SMART goal would be, "I am a millionaire within 3 years from today." That way you can game plan a strategy which puts time on your side.

Tip 6- In order to be a good one, your goal should stretch you but it should not be impossible for you to achieve it.

Timely- Your goal should have a deadline. You need to have an estimated time of completion. And you should plan that out in advance. You should also set your goal with a realistic timeframe.

Tip 7- A deadline on your goal helps you eliminate procrastination..

And now I would like to invite you to claim your free access to my special report "Setting And Hitting Your Goals" by going to http://www.setandhitgoals.com

From Anthony D. Carter - a leading expert on goal setting.