With the end of the year approaching, now is a great time to think about your goals for the coming year, but you can do so anytime you need to focus. First, take a look at what you have accomplished so far. What did you learn, what were the ups and downs?

Then think about what you would like to accomplish next year. Do you have a BIG goal that you would like to achieve, or maybe three or four goals that you would like to complete next year? And no, I don’t mean those New Years ‘resolutions’ that quickly fade from view in mid-February.

I mean some specific goals that you really want to achieve next year and that you will commit to yourself, and preferably someone else, that you are going to meet. Maybe you want to quit smoking, lose weight, or get in shape; okay, but give it a purpose and put a plan in place so you can really achieve it.

Here are some key steps to help you turn your goals into reality:

• What is your big goal or dream? Be it a small hill or a high mountain, what do you want to change in your life? Where do you want to be, physically, mentally or emotionally, by the end of next year? Write down your goals and post them where you will see them every day.
• Think about what it will look and feel like to have achieved your goal. Why do you want it? What will it mean to you? How much Really do you want it and what impact will it have on your life? This step is important because if you have a strong underlying reason for doing something and can see the benefits of doing it, you are more likely to succeed.

To better understand your goals, make them SMART goals. If you haven’t seen this acronym before, it stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Specific – Don’t set a goal to ‘lose weight’ – Set a goal to lose 10 pounds or want to get in shape – Set a goal to walk or run a certain distance without getting out of breath or completing a sponsored walk or 10k run.

Measurable – assign your goal a series of goals that you can measure on the fly – 10 pounds so you can mark each pound weekly, or if you want to save or earn a specific amount of money, or rate your goal on a scale of 1-10.

Realizable – do not decide to climb Everest if so road Beyond your skills and abilities, you are simply setting yourself up for failure. Think about the time, resources, and skills available. Stretch out but be realistic, otherwise you won’t compromise.

Relevant / Realistic – make sure your goals fit with your broader vision of your life or business. Don’t make them so easy that they are not challenging, but not so difficult that you never get them.

Limited in time – set a date by which you plan to achieve this goal. This keeps you from drifting off into something undefined and gives you a target to aim for.

It also helps if you hold yourself accountable to someone. Telling someone else about your goal will not only keep you motivated, it can also help you stay on track. It can be your partner, friend, colleague, mentor, or coach.

Now break your big goal down into smaller, achievable steps. What information or skills do you need? There may be some additional training courses that you need to book yourself. Who could you talk to? What do you need to know first?

What must you do in the next 6 to 12 months to reach your goal? Set a plan with smaller goals, actions, and stepping stones along the way to help you get there.

• What do you need to do this month?
• What can you do this week?
• What can you do today?

Now that you have set your goals, do it!