GOALS

A well-articulated guide to identifying and mastering personal goals.

In her concise, straightforward and encouraging new book, Laser outlines the key—and acronym-ready—steps toward the achievement of any reasonable goal. S.M.A.R.T.E.R., for example, describes the characteristics of a “good task,” one that is likely to be completed: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Tested, Exclusively under your control and Researched. Also peppered with nuggets of timeless wisdom from the likes of Lao Tzu, the Dalai Lama, Cicero and others, the book blends practical advice with an inspirational energy that will give readers an extra boost of motivation. Unlike the authors of many chirpy, overenthusiastic self-help books, Laser doesn’t shy away from describing the pitfalls of aiming high. Nor does she deny that there are a thousand more pleasant things to be doing than working diligently toward completing the series of smaller goals that add up to your ultimate aim. As a counter to these temptations, Laser emphasizes that the pleasure of accomplishment and the feeling of mastery one achieves are greater than any temporary distraction. (For good measure, she also offers handy, concrete anti-procrastination tips for when the going gets tough.) Additionally, she suggests examining the practicality of your aims—can you really become a star athlete?—and encourages readers to not only attain their objectives at a personal level, but also tailor the process to business endeavors. The book could benefit from including worksheet sections in order to facilitate the completion of its exercises, as well as clearer numbered steps for breaking a goal into subgoals. Nonetheless, this guide will help jump-start the reader’s self-reflection and action.

Sensible tools to help achieve your dreams.