Goals can be defined as an aim, an objective, an outcome, a desire or an intention, something that requires effort in order to achieve. Goals keep us focused on a purpose, they keep us motivated. They help us through difficult times when others less motivated would give up.

Goals can be classified into the following seven categories:

• Family and Home
• Personal or I want
• Financial or Career
• Spiritual
• Educational
• Emotional
• Physical and Health

Goal setting is the most important step you must take when preparing your budget. With out your goals the budgeting process will seem pointless.

Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life. "Les Brown"

In order to set effective goals below are the seven steps you should follow for maximum impact.

• Develop a FERVENT DESIRE to achieve the goal. 
• The desire must be intense. 
• Sit down and write out all the benefits and advantages of achieving your goal.
• Write your goal down.
• Once it goes into writing it becomes substantial and starts working on the subconscious.

Recognise

The obstacles you will need to overcome.

What you need to sacrifice to achieve this goal.

DATE your goal.

Analyse where you are now in relation to the goal and then measure how long you will reasonably need to complete the goal. You must give it a date or it is no more then a wish and has not been launched with conviction and confidence.

Make a PLAN. Rewrite the list. With priority, maybe cost could be a factor, compare it to your budget, goals must be exciting but also realistic.

Clearly VISUALIZE the goal already accomplished. Make the mental image crystal clear, vivid in the mind's eye. Play that picture over and over in your mind. You can in some cases take a picture of the goal if it's possible to do so, place it in your goal setting journal this will help train your subconscious mind to work on it.