Tips for Setting Goals

Many self-improvement programs start by identifying weaknesses or deficiencies. In this program, we want you to begin by recognizing the positive qualities and achievements identified in your self-assessment.

Acknowledging your strengths stops you from focusing on failure. When you know that you are already making positive steps, you find energy and enthusiasm for further change. So start with the evidence that you can make changes for the better.

Another way to enhance a feeling of success is to establish "working goals." You set this type of goal knowing that it will change. Then, if you don't achieve the goal exactly as it is stated, you don't see it as a failure, but a need to modify the goal. Each goal provides an opportunity to learn how to move forward.

For example, you might learn that you need to set a new goal that you are truly ready to work on or one that lets you change more slowly. With working goals, you learn how to curtail self-judgment, so don't blame yourself for "failures," get discouraged, and stop moving forward.

The first and most powerful goal is deciding to improve. Simply making the decision to improve or enhance your life is a breakthrough.