What’s the last thing you’ve really worked hard to achieve? Chances are the accomplishments you value most in your life, whether they are personal or professional, were things you had to work for.

It’s also likely that consciously or unconsciously you set a goal. Goals are an essential, but often misunderstood, part of reaching our potential. Goals require us to think about, to write down and then be held accountable to the person we want to be.

But when most people think about setting goals, they get sidetracked by the journey. They start counting the cost and start to question what they really want. According to Harvard Business School, 3% of people are successful, 30% are moderately successful. The difference between the 3% and the 30% is the existence of written down, specific goals.

Think back to when you’ve achieved a goal. What stands out to you? Was it how single-minded you were? Your enthusiasm? Maybe you remember an increase in self-esteem. Whatever it was, you can probably look back and apply three characteristics to your state of mind.

You were serious
Goal-oriented people take their goals seriously. Frequently they make it a point to verbalize their goals to a spouse or mentor who will hold them accountable. And, since setting goals requires courage, having someone who understands your goals can be a needed source of support, guidance, and encouragement.

You were specific
There’s an old saying that if you don’t know where you’re going, any route will take you there. Successful goal setters are very specific. They don’t just say “I want to make more money,” they say “I want to increase my salary by 20%”.

You were willing to take action
Another old saying is “Hope is not a strategy”. Accomplishing goals requires meaningful action. Many successful people will make sure they do something, daily, to move them closer to achieving their goals. Put another way, goal setters make their own opportunities.

If you want to set goals but don’t know how to start, consider these six easy steps to change your attitude and behavior.

1. Decide what you really want and write it down
An unwritten want is a wish.

2. Dare to dream, but do a reality check
If you don’t believe you can reach it, you won’t.

3. Stay positive
This becomes harder, but even more necessary when you’re dealing with the negative people in your life who will tell you why you can’t reach your goals.

4. Challenge yourself
The most satisfying goals take us out of our comfort zone and make us better for it.

5. Apply deadlines and self-discipline
You cannot leave your goal open-ended. You may have to adjust your deadline, but you must have a deadline. I think that’s why so many people like to use New Year’s Eve to write down their goal. Thinking about where you want to be a year from now is a logical, yet specific, deadline.

6. Be disciplined
The phrase that comes to mind is “If it was meant to be, it’s up to me.” Meeting your goals is ultimately your responsibility.

Setting and achieving goals is addicting – and the more you do it, the easier it gets. Remember the point of setting a goal is for personal growth and satisfaction so don’t be afraid to dream big, you’ll be glad you did.