Whether we admit it or not, we all want to succeed in something. In order to become successful at anything, there needs to be a goal. The main thing to remember is that success is not a goal. Success is a product of achieving a goal; so without a goal, you cannot succeed. When you decide what you want to succeed in, that determines your goal(s).

A few examples:

“I want to be a successful business owner.” Goal: Becoming a business owner.
“I want to successfully run a 5K.” Goal: Running a 5K.
“I want to succeed in graduating college.” Goal: Graduating college.

Without a goal, you cannot succeed.

Many times we’ve seen how to set S.M.A.R.T goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. Assuming we’re being reasonable and realistic, I like to put emphasis on setting specific goals. Setting specific goals changes your normal routine. Decide what you want to be successful in, and narrow it down into a specific, short-term goal that leads to a larger, overall goal. Here are a few examples.

Goal: Have a beach body by summer.
Specific: Lose 15 pounds by May 1.
More specific: Lose 2 pounds a week.
Even more specific: Run one mile a day + lift weights 3 times a week.

Goal: Earn $45,000 a year.
Specific: Earn $3,750 a month.
More Specific: Earn $937.50 in a 5-day work week.
Even more Specific: Earn $187.50 a day by working 8 hours a day at a pay rate of $23.44/hour.

Breaking your goal down specifically helps you create routine and a plan in order to become successful in reaching your goal.

The more goals you have, the better! It doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once, but separating your goals into categories allows for some simplicity. I generally split my goals up into personal, professional/career, spiritual and financial. Sometimes those goals intersect.

The need to succeed gives us a reason to wake up wanting something. Without goals, we’re living life aimlessly with no purpose. Once you decide you are ready to be successful, do these 4 things.

1. Write down your goal.

It’s just a dream until you write it down. Be specific and create a plan.

2. Track your goals.

When we lose of track of our goals, we know longer make them a priority. Review your goals on a daily or weekly basis.

3. Celebrate your goals.

Once you reach your goal, reward yourself. Reaching your goal is a reward in itself, but pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a toast! You did something many people want to achieve! More importantly, you did something you wanted to achieve.

4. Set a new goal.

You’ve reached a goal, and you’re awesome. Wasn’t that great? Now do it again! This time, set the standards higher!