Have you ever set a goal and not achieved it? Most people have. In fact, it's quite common for people to get stuck in an endless cycle of setting goals and then quitting them shortly afterwards - and accomplishing nothing at all.

Why do people do this? One of the biggest reasons is a lack of commitment to their goal. Without commitment a goal will gradually shrink in importance, and the temptation to quit will seem much more attractive, especially when obstacles cause setbacks and delays. On the other hand, if you make a serious commitment and then continually remind yourself of it, you'll be much more likely to persevere and achieve the goal. Here's how to commit to your goals:

• First and foremost, you have to make sure that every goal you set is of real importance to you. This can be tricky because we so often fool ourselves into thinking we want one thing when we want something entirely different. Take some time with this part of the process, and be sure that you get to the heart of what you really want. Why do you want it? What will it do for you? What positive things will it bring to your life? How will it help you? How will it make you feel when it's accomplished?
  
  
• Write all of this down and keep it handy so you can refer to it as often as necessary if you feel your commitment beginning to slip.
  
  
• Also ask yourself if your goal is worth the effort and sacrifice that will be needed to achieve it. If you can honestly answer yes, you are on the way!