Are you finding setting goals a challenge? If so, you are not alone.  I have 10 tips I hope will help you.

1. Start broadly and work to specific goals.  
2. Think of your major definite purpose (what you want to accomplish), understand why accomplishing it is important (why), and your core values (how you want to live).  
3. Think of goals in the four aspects of your life. 
   1. Physical/Economic 
   2. Mental/Learning and Growth 
   3. Emotional/Relationships 
   4. Spiritual/Values/Contribution 
4. Brainstorm and write down as many potential goals as possible in each of the four aspects of your life. 
5. Just as you did for your major definite purpose, for each goal ask why achieving it would be important to you.  
6. When you come up with an answer to the why question, ask why again. 
7. If you do not have a good answer to the why question, discard that goal because you will not likely have the passion to achieve it. 
8. For each goal make a list of no less than 10 things you need to do to accomplish it. 
9. Share your written goals with your spouse, friends or mentor. 
10. Take the first action step right away so the train will leave the station. 

In 1978, I decided that my major definite purpose was to be the preeminent transportation (highways, airports, rail) construction lawyer in the United States.

Why was that important to me? First, it was important because I wanted to be the “go to” lawyer in a narrow niche. Second, I wanted to pick an area that was not a crowded field. Third, I wanted to use my government contract experience I had gained while on active duty in the Air Force. Finally, I wanted to work for highway contractors because three of my college friends were active in family owned highway construction businesses.

I hope these ten tips help you find success in your goal setting. Please feel free to make comments or ask questions – one of my goals is to hear from you.