Every year at this time I set goals for the coming year. I first reflect on the goals I had set for the year gone by, and evaluate how I worked towards those goals and how far I got in attaining them. Usually I have three, or four goals. One may be a personal goal, another about my work and another about my family life. Writing them down makes them more real, and then I place them somewhere I will see them regularly. Perhaps in my agenda, or on the family bulletin board. There are various strategies to work towards a goal. Some people like to break a goal down into small, easily attainable parts. A lot of us find it easier to attain a goal by sharing it with someone who will keep us accountable. You can do this with a friend, or in a more structured way with a group that meets regularly. A goal provides a focus that hopefully is meaningful to you, and helps you live in a way that is personally satisfying.