You've probably heard that in order to achieve your goals, they must be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic and Time-bound. But it's what you do after you set a goal that will determine if it becomes reality. Below are the top 10 essential steps to achieving your SMART goals.

1. Make sure your goal passes the SMART test. To the letter.

2. Align your goal with your values. Why is this goal important to you? Without values alignment, you are likely to struggle (if not fail) to implement the goal. 

3. Share your goal with three to five key people to become more accountable. Don't sabotage yourself: choose people who are supportive and positive.

4. Identify the resources you need to make your goal happen. For example, if your goal is to develop a website for your business, you'll need to find a designer.

5. Identify ways to save time. Take only the short-cuts that can accelerate your progress and support your goal.

6. Detect potential obstacles. From poor work habits to limiting self-beliefs to too much on your plate-take action to clear these hurdles.

7. Pinpoint at least one daily action. The little things you do everyday are what propel you towards your goal.

8. Establish a support system. Who can provide you with encouragement, advice, healthy feedback or a willing ear?

9. Structure your environment to achieve your goal. What needs to be in place in order to achieve your goal? If you want to eat healthier, make sure you have healthy foods in your pantry to make that happen.

10. Identify rewards. A soak in the warm bath, a new outfit,  a good book, dinner out. Little rewards along the way make achieving your goal more fun.