Life coach Mervin Straughan suggests seven steps for setting goals and boosting the likelihood of success for achieving what you want in life. The goal-setting plan is systematic and includes SMART thinking and ways to gauge our levels of commitment and motivation. And while achieving goals is a great confidence boost, it's important that goal setters enjoy the journey. We grow as a result of the process. The goal-setting journey stretches us by encouraging us to anticipate and respond to challenges.