The first step to setting effective goals is to know what it is you want. The key word in the last sentence is "you". It is what you want that is important, not what others want for you or for themselves through you. If you don't want to achieve your goal, you certainly won't. Conversely, if you have a burning desire to achieve your goal, you surely will.

Begin defining your goals by writing a wish list. Don't censor yourself. Visualise yourself living your ideal life. Think of categories such as career, education, family, personal life, physical, spiritual, financial, social, pleasure and attitude. What is your highest ideal for each of these categories? Write it down. Perhaps it is to be at the top of your profession. Perhaps to be self-employed. Maybe it's to earn a PhD by the time you're 45 or to marry and have a family. It might be to attain your ideal weight and to be physically fit. It could be to have a small circle of very close friends or to earn enough money to retire at 50. What kind of a house do you want to live in? Where do you want to live? What type of car do you want to drive? What exciting destinations do you want to travel to?

Paint a picture. Use sweeping strokes and bold colour. There are no limits. You are the architect of your future. You are limited only by your imagination.