Think about the concrete things you need to do to achieve your goal. Instead of trying to do everything at once, learn to set practical and effective goals. Smart goals will help you focus your energy in the right areas to ensure that you actually reach the goal.

The following example related to physical fitness demonstrates setting goals in both the typical and the smart way.

TYPICAL GOAL:

This year, I will start running again to improve my fitness. 

SMART GOAL:

As I have always enjoyed running, my goal is to run 20–30 minutes 3–4 times per week for the next six weeks so that I can improve my fitness to the level it was on last year before the long break. After the six-week period, I will reassess my goal and make a new plan for the next two months.