Set SMARTER goals

Make your goals specific.
Specifically, define what you wish to accomplish. "Write a novel," for example, is too broad. What kind of book do you want to write? "I want to learn photography" is still not specific. What area of photography do you wish to learn? To make this goal specific, you can say: "Complete Lynda.com's Photography course."

Make your goals measurable.
Establish success criteria. How will you know when you've met your goal? For example, if you want to make more money this year, how much more should you make? How many times a week should you work out at the gym to feel like you've met your goal?

Make your goals actionable.
Clarify your main action while setting goals. Use a strong verb to prompt the desired action. Avoid using am, be, and have to set a goal like “Be more health conscious." Instead, use a verb such as run, write, complete, etc. For instance, "Write two blog entries per week" or "Walk 30 minutes five times per week."

Make your goals risky.
Set a challenging goal that is a little higher than your realistic expectations. Aim for more success and greater rewards that will make you more motivated to persist.

Make your goals time-keyed.
Set a deadline for short-term goals. To develop long-term habits, use frequency statements and time triggers, such as: "Run for thirty minutes at the park every weekday morning at 7 a.m."

Make your goals exciting.
Write down what makes you want to achieve your goal. What will keep you going when you feel like giving up on your goal?

Make your goals relevant.
Set the goals that correspond with the demands and needs of your life; those that are relevant to your actual circumstances and interests.