The alarm goes off at 6am, you roll out of bed and run down the hall to wake up the kids. You're going to be late again! You shower fast while the kids are getting dressed then you head downstairs to grab nutrition bars because you don't have time to make breakfast. You grab the backpacks on the way to the babysitters, give them fast kisses when you get there and you're on your way to work. Did I mention the crying?

It's only a description of the first hour of your day? It's no wonder we go through life without setting goals or developing an action plan! We have no time! Without goals, we merely exist day to day. Before you know it, years have gone by without much progress.

It's estimated that less than 3% of people actually document their goals but it's these same people who accomplish more than all the others added together. If your goals aren't documented, they remain dreams. Twenty years from now it will still be your dream.

The acronym S.M.A.R.T. may help you to define them in a way that will ensure results.

S ? They need to be specific. Stating that you want to lose weight or pay off your bills is not specific enough. What are you going to do? Why are you going to do it?

M ? They need to be measurable. How are you going to do it? You need to be able to see progress. With concrete and measurable goals, you will.

A ? Are they achievable? Are they realistic?

R ? Are they relevant to your situation now? Does it motivate you?

T ? Set a time frame for completion. When are you going to achieve it?

Next, develop an action plan based on your timeline for achievement. Don't become discouraged if your goals are not met on your first try. Goals will be revised because circumstances and priorities change in life. Expect it ? plan on it. You'll have obstacles but find alternatives.

If your life is chaotic it will be harder to manage but the important concept here is not to give up. You need an action plan more than the person who has it all together. Keep adjusting the plan. Work with it! As time goes on you will see results as long as you keep it in focus.

Cathy Gariety is a Registered Nurse and Personal Coach at Power Group Coaching based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. You can contact her at cgariety@power-group-coaching.com