In case you haven't noticed, I tend to be a bit of a goal-oriented person. I like to move toward things and watch as I am able to accomplish (or help others accomplish) major goals that were set in a moment of vision. In short, Goals make me happy.But it can't just be any kind of goal. The goals that truly make me happy tend to have the following criteria:

• They are accompanied by an action plan.
• There are clear milestones that I can celebrate along the way
• I have an accountability model built in
• My goals are BIG and generally are building to something even BIGGER
• They are measurable
• They are specific

I can't stick with something like "I want to lose weight." First off, it's too general and it doesn't give me a clear sense of direction. So, a goal that would get me really excited would be more like "I want to lose 30 pounds in the next 6 months. So, five pounds a month. I'll develop an eating plan and exercise a couple times a week. Drink more water, less coffee and pop. When I lose the 30 pounds, I will splurge on a new dress that I've had my eye on for a while."

Much better. I have a goal, an action plan, milestones and a reward waiting. And for the accountability portion? I'll probably get someone to do it with me so we can keep tabs on each other.

How do you set and achieve goals?