The more effectively you can measure a goal, the more likely you are to complete the goal because progress itself is a tremendous encourager. Even though you can't see progress by the day, you will by the end of the week - or certainly by the end of the month.

Many people set goals that are completely out of reach, whereas others set them so low that they represent no challenge. Both approaches are unrealistic. Many people knowingly set impossible goals so that they have a built-in excuse for not achieving those goals. This practice is clearly self-defeating. You must have a realistic chance of reaching a goal, combined with a belief that you will reach it, in order for it to have long-range motivational impact.

For example, because weight loss is on the minds of more than two thirds of the people in the United States - and well it should be - people often fall victim to empty promises, such as lose 30 pounds in 30 days without getting hungry and without exercising! That goal isn't realistic. You didn't gain that weight in a month, and you're not going to lose it in a month. Permanent weight loss comes only with a change in lifestyle.

My Father was on that weight-loss roller coaster for 24 years before he understood that the problem was his lifestyle. He spent too much time on the couch, too much time at the dinner table, and not enough time exercising. His weight-loss goals, though temporarily attainable, were permanently destined to fail because he expected to take the weight off quickly and keep it off permanently without an exercise program. However, when my Father realized that he was able to get into a smaller suit after every ten pounds of weight loss, he was motivated to lose the ten pounds so that he could justify the purchase of a new suit.

You also need an accomplishment-point if the goal can be measured in that way. Formulate a plan of action with a deadline that enables you to measure your progress in incremental steps - as my Father did by aiming to lose ten pounds at a time. Simply determining that you will, say, clean out the garage by a specific date helps you to claim the time that you need to accomplish the goal. You may choose to spend two hours each Saturday for the next six Saturdays or spend an entire Saturday on the project. Name the increments according to your needs. Make your goals fit your lifestyle.
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