As we start the new year, we profile more ways to set — and, more importantly, achieve — goals for 2018 with these five smart tips.

It’s very easy to start the new year with a long list of resolutions you want to achieve. But research shows that more than 90% of people fail to fulfil their goals, and most of them forget about them by the first quarter of the year.

If you want to succeed in executing your goals, experts say that it’s vital to have a long-term vision coupled with very specific steps to get there.

What you want to happen, why you want it to happen, and when you want it to happen need to all be defined under different aspects of your life — personal, career and health. To live a full life, these different spheres need to merge on balanced levels. (Want to start thinking about a full life now? Take our million-person quiz.)

A goal without a vision is incomplete. A vision is defined as a picture of your life in the future. Meanwhile, a goal refers to the measureable steps that lead you to your vision. Here are some nuggets of wisdom to bring you closer to that dream.

1. Be SMART

In goal-setting lingo, being SMART refers to having Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound goals.

There is no point in simply stating, “I want to lose weight in 2018.” You need specifics. You need to say, “I will lose one kilo every month starting from January. I will do at least 30 minutes of cardio or weights daily to attain that.”

The more specific you are, the higher your chances of reaching your goal.

2. Write down your goals

Get that pen and paper out, people. “A crucial part of goal setting is the physical action of writing them down,” says neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) coach and communications trainer Pamela Kirpalani. This makes them seem more tangible, rather than just ethereal thoughts.

3. Share your goals

Research has shown that people who shared their goals with others to maintain accountability were 33% more likely to achieve them compared to those who just thought about them.

“A fundamental aspect of making sure one achieves goals is through having a confidante, someone who can consistently check in with you according to the time-line you created,” says Pamela.

4. Identifying and prioritising your goals

Once you identify what your goals are — whether it’s travelling more to gain life-changing experiences, learning a new sport, or spending more time with your family — prioritise them. Then identify what realistic steps you need to take to make them happen. You cannot possibly travel the world, for example, if you don’t have a healthy amount of savings, or a long-term financial plan.

5. Do great work

To make life worth living and fulfil your goals, Apple founder, the late Steve Jobs, said you need to hunt out your passion. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle,” he advised.