If you don’t have specific goals written down, now is a great time to do so. Lots of people wait until the end of the year, but with so much going on, holidays and taxes and all, you should at least start thinking about goals now.

The first and most important thing is to write them down! Even if you aren’t sure how to word them get that idea on paper. The thoughts you have on the spur of a moment are often the most true feelings we have. You can always come back to review and better define what it is you mean later. The ideas you put down should have meaning and spark motivation. Don’t put down goals just because they sound good or they are the “popular” movement right now. It may not be the right time for you to act on those things. Remember, if you don’t want to do it, you won’t.

If you have trouble setting goals, one method to try is backward goal setting. Start with a big-picture vision of what you want your life to look like, and then break out the steps you need to make to get there.

When you are ready to review those goals there are a few methods you can use to help increase your chances of success. One key is to make sure your goals are SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting SMART goals ensures that you will know when you have succeeded in the goal and will help you along the way if you loose focus.

The last tip is to get some feedback on your goals. Often our friends or family members can be a great reality check. They can help us scale down our over the top ideas if needed, or help us find clarity in what exactly we mean to accomplish. If they don’t think you are up for a certain goal and it’s one you really believe in, chances are you’ll work harder to prove them wrong.