self-talk, or always running late. And you can prepare to replace them with habits that enhance your life. 

Yet even when you are crystal clear on the most important things in your life, it can be tricky to sort out the ones that form the biggest goals. You may have achieved a big goal and felt somehow a little flat and empty afterward – a kind of ‘what now?’ feeling. Perhaps work- ing towards your goal was more enjoyable than actually attaining it.

These feelings are normal, and in fact, the most compelling reason to set goals is to propel you into action, which is where the real rewards in life often come. In fact, the more you coach yourself to set and achieve your goals, the more you’re likely to find that the feeling of forwarding movement and progress gives you the most satisfaction. This is one reason why starting to think about your next big goal before you’ve completed the one you’re currently working towards is a great idea.

Sometimes the things you thought you really wanted to turn out to be not so wonderful after all, which can be confusing. A coaching client of mine focused obsessively on her forthcoming house purchase – a significant symbol of her corporate success. However, on the day she moved in, her enthusiasm fell

to rock bottom. She discovered that the thrill of the renovation project was what she really wanted, although she’d mistaken it for the end goal itself. This realization caused her to rethink her career direction and five years later she’s carved out a stimulating sideline in property development.