1. Avoid contradictory goals.Sometimes goals are set which are in conflict with one another. Be cautious to evaluate the relationship among goals before finalizing them. You are setting the stage for failure somewhere if two or more goals are mutually exclusive.
2. Write goals in the positive, not the negative.Focus on what you hope to achieve, not what you want to leave behind. For example, the goal "I will take my wife on a date without the children at least twice a month" is better than "I won't be such an inconsiderate husband any more."
3. Set high goals.Don't be concerned if a goal is not immediately achievable. Experience suggests that progress will be greater on a goal that is just beyond the reach of reality than on one that is too easy to achieve.
Putting your energies into developing effective goals that link to values, that are measurable, specific, targeted and time sensitive will pay huge dividends in your personal life, professional life, and with your family.
