The first "G" in the 5G's of financial freedom is Goal Setting.

When it comes to setting goals, most people will dream for about 5 minutes, write a few things down, maybe even set a date and map out how to get there, but then that's it. They end up with three or four great goals but will probably never reach them.

Believe it or not, there really is a BEST way to set goals.

Here's how: Set goals in 5 different time periods of your life.

Goal setting starts with a little bit of dreaming. Let your mind go wild. The best way to do this is to do some brainstorming on paper and talk it out with someone else (If you are married, this is a GREAT exercise to do with your spouse). Then, after letting your mind go wild for a while, bring it almost all the way back to reality (not quite the whole way- you have to stretch yourself, otherwise, what's the point in setting goals?)

Where do you see yourself later on in life? What business, family, personal, health, financial, spiritual, and intellectual goals do you want to attain? Based on those questions, write down all of your goals for the following time periods - IN THIS ORDER:

• 10 years from now
• 5 years from now
• 3 years from now
• 1 year from now
• 90 days from now

By doing this for each of the 5 time periods you will gain a long-term perspective as well as grasp the manageable short term tasks it takes to get there.

Don't forget to keep your goals in a place where they can be seen regularly and be sure to keep track of your progress and celebrate your victories along the way.

What do you think of the 5 Time Periods to Set Goals For? I'd love to hear your thoughts.