Setting goals can be an easy task for many people. However, actually achieving the goals that are set is not always so easy. For example, anyone can say, "I am going to lose 5 kilograms this month." Saying it is easy; doing it can be way more challenging. Achieving your goals takes dedication, drive, motivation and persistence – things that we all find difficult to maintain at times.

Listen as Damien covers three proven strategies for successful goal setting.

One of the most important elements of setting goals is to keep them realistic. You would not want to set a goal to complete an upcoming marathon, if you're not an experienced runner. Those kinds of goals are more like wishes than goals, because they are nearly impossible to achieve. A more realistic goal could be to enter a half marathon and focus on finishing the race, or tackle a smaller version. The danger of setting unrealistic goals is that you're not likely to achieve them. This can affect your motivation to try something new in the future as you know youre not going to achieve it.

When you set personal goals for yourself, you are more likely to achieve them if you have written them down. There are several reasons why writing down your goals is an effective tool, they are:

• Provides clarity
• Strengthens motivation
• Keeps you accountable
• Builds self-esteem

When people write down their goals, they have a much greater degree of success in achieving them. It's also an excellent visual reminder to keep you focused, when goals are posted in places you'll see everyday.

When you are working toward your goals, you're likely to encounter a few challenges along the way. This is perfectly normal. In order to move through your challenges more quickly, stay focused on the positive effect achieving the goal will have on your life and consider the following:

1. Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones.
2. Visualizing your success.
3. Reading your goal list daily.

Achieving your personal goals can heighten your self-esteem and improve your overall quality of life. If you set realistic goals, write them down, and remain positive, you are much more likely to achieve the goals you set.

Now just be aware – Starting towards achieving your goals will take you out of your comfort zone and when you step out of your comfort zone your subconscious will do everything it can to get you back to where you were comfortable. So know it’s going to happen and the challenge you are going to have with your self talk. This is totally normal and to be expected – so expect it!