Goal Setting

What I've learned about goals in iQuest is that goals are a way to make dreams and aspirations come true.  By creating goals, you are pushing yourself and committing to what you want to achieve.  I have also learned the criteria for creating effective goals.  Smart goals are a way to really achieve something as efficiently as possible.  They force you to know exactly what you need to do.  Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound goals are what I need to create in order to reach my dreams.  With these goals, I will avoid a number of obstacles.

When I set goals in the past, I usually didn't come through in the end.  I would procrastinate and not get it done or I would 'finish early'.  What I mean by that is I would just say 'well I was close enough', but with goals that are specific and measurable, I will be able to avoid this.  I also think that with goals that are time bound, I can reduce procrastination.  Another thing that will be avoided with smart goals is getting to a point and realizing that the goal itself was just unrealistic.  You may set a goal and not even realize that it is unreasonable and cannot be done within the time you've given yourself.  Smart goals will fix, or at least reduce, the common obstacles of achieving goals.

I, along with every other single person, can apply what I've just discussed in my own life.  Here are a few of my own smart goals:
I want to view and photograph, if possible, comet ISON in the last week of November when the comet will be closest to the sun and therefore at its brightest.
I want to finish the book I am currently reading in my free time, Quantum Physics, Near Death Experiences, Eternal Consciousness, Religion, and the Human Soul, by the end of winter break and determine to what extent I agree or disagree with its thesis.
I want to schedule a show with my band at a venue, not a house, by December 1st.