Whenever I asked my friends what is their new year resolution, 8 out of 10 of them would answer “to earn more money” to which I would give a typical response – how much ‘more’ is your more?

I’m sure most of us have goals, be it for the new year or for our life in general. However, what we don’t realize is that some of these goals might not be achievable. These unachievable goals CAN be achievable, if only we make the finishing line less vague. Want to earn more money this year? How much more? 20k? 50k? 100k? Know what is the finishing line so that you can run towards that direction. Most importantly, know what you truly want.

Here are few examples:

• earn more money in 2010 –> saves up to 20k in 2010
• exercise regularly –> go to gym for workout at least 3 times a week and for 1 hour each session
• spend more time with family –> reserve weekends strictly for family
• eat healthily –> say NO to all junk food and tidbits. Go vegetarian for 3 days in a week
• spend more time with hobbies –> wake up 1 hour earlier each day, and use that 1 hour for the hobby
• lower down cholesterol level –> lower down cholesterol by 30%
• lose weight –> lose 3 kg in 2010

I know for certain cases, this can be pretty difficult but for most, it can be done. And I dare to say it’s better to do it this way so that we can track our progresses. Want to earn 20k in 2010? But only achieved 10k? Never mind, let’s push it to 2011 and mark it to 25k.

This also helps us to know where we stand, and whether our next goal is within our ability to achieve.

So go and have a look at your goals once again, and try to see if there’s any goal which is too vague for you to achieve. Change them. Be specific. Be clear. And always track your progress. Remember that without any progress, you will soon lose motivation to do anything. Good luck and hope it helps.