By Mark Moses, an EO Orange County member, renowned speaker and CEO of MarkMoses.net.

Setting specific and measurable goals is at the very foundation of what one can achieve.  Nearly all of my major accomplishments, both professionally and personally started with the discipline to set yearly, monthly, weekly and even daily goals.

About six years ago, I introduced goal-setting to my family and our annual-goal setting meeting has evolved into one of my favorite days of the year. At first, my kids’ goals were small … things they could be held accountable to do around the house or at school.  Now that they are 11- and 13-years-old, their goals have become more challenging and harder to achieve.

My daughter, Darien, is a gymnast. She set the bar high (pun intended) this year with a specific goal of exceeding 37 out of a possible 40 points during one of her gymnastic meets.  The season began in January and culminated this month at the State Competition. Overall, she was having a good season with a few challenges, but the highest score she achieved going into “State” was a 36.05, and that “37” goal was looming. She knew the goal was achievable, and she never lost her focus or confidence in what she could do.

On 1 April, at the State Meet, Darien scored 37.225! Her performance was good enough for second place overall, as well as first place in two individual events (Bars and Balance Beam). I’m sure you can imagine her elation at her achievement, and she also enjoyed the celebration that went with it. I’ve always been a huge believer in celebrating achievements.

Goal-setting makes amazing things happen, especially when goals are in writing and shared with others. Specific goals hold us accountable and create the mindset of what you can achieve if you truly want to. Goal-setting builds responsibility, confidence and most importantly, a feeling of great accomplishment once attained.

What are your personal, family and business goals? Have you written them down? Are they SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and with a time frame)?  Have you shared them with those who will hold you accountable? 

I ask you to challenge yourself to write down some significant goals that you will achieve this year and at the same time, ask your kids to write down a few of their own. I think you will be amazed at what will happen by year’s end. Goals that are put in writing get done while unwritten goals are simply “dreams.”

By the way, my 11-year-old son, Mason, set a goal to complete a half-marathon this year. He will be toeing the line on 6 May, with several thousand runners. Stay tuned.

Mark coaches high-growth entrepreneurs and companies on how to grow their businesses, build their strategic plan, raise capital and navigate through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Email mark at mark@markmoses.net.