Isn't your ultimate fantasy to have a job you love? A position where others recognize and praise your talents? A position where you are nicely rewarded with a higher salary and enhanced perks?

That fantasy can quickly turn into reality if you are savvy enough to conscientiously set goals. The most successful people in the world envision their next successes. Goals are a precise statement of these visions and specify the endeavors that must be undertaken if the desired outcome is to be achieved. Objectives are clear statements of the specific action steps required to achieve the goals, starting from today. Successful people have written goals, along with targeted objectives designed to assure them success. It has been reported that only 3% of the populace puts his or her goals in writing. Yet behavioral psychologists say that positive outcomes are typically achieved 20% faster with written goals.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals is a savvy but simple tool for goal-setting that specifically identifies your desired outcome, details an action plan, and facilitates accomplishment. Here's the formula:

Specific -- A clearly defined written goal and a list of the action steps necessary to reach it.

Measurable -- You and others must be readily able to see how you are progressing, every step of the way.

Achievable -- Your goal may be a stretch from where you are now, but it is certainly doable.

Realistic -- Set sensible goals and objectives that you can expect to gain relying on your own efforts.

Targeted -- Know exactly where you are going, how you are going to get there, and define the consequences and potential rewards to anticipate realizing.

Your future is whatever you make it. Read your goals daily and as you achieve them, replace them with new dreams to keep your life interesting and yourself happy.