This month I’ve committed to sharing strategies to help you achieve any goals you might have set for the New Year. So far, here’s what we’ve covered:

Strategy 1: Make sure the goal is something you truly want to achieve.
Strategy 2: Make sure the goal is consistent with your personal values.
Strategy 3: Make sure your goals are in balance.
Strategy 4: Use positive language.

Here’s the fifth strategy. Be specific.

As you start crafting your goals, incorporate as many details as you possibly can. Want to expand your professional network? Specify how many people you want to add to your network and the areas of expertise they should offer. Want to spend more time with your family? Specify that you will leave the office no later than 5:00 p.m. at least two Fridays of every month. Want to break your dependence on certain electronic gadgets? (Yes, some of my clients refer to them as “Crackberrys.”) Then specify you will turn the darn gadget off at least two waking hours every day. If you can identify the actual hours, it’s even better.