What are the characteristics of effective goal setting?

Effective goal settings starts with coming up with an attainable goal. From there,

• Make the goal as detailed and specific as possible. Rather than saying "Make $200", say "Make $200 dollars by April in order to buy a new toaster."
• Outline ways in which you plan on achieving your goal. Using the toaster example, how exactly will you make the money?
• Give yourself enough time- do not say you will make $200 by Tuesday! (This goes back to attainability!)
• Always keep your sights on the goal. Keep it at the forefront of your mind. When you want to make an impulse buy, remember what you're working towards!