In the "Dreaming Big" segment with life coach Hellen Buttigieg, we encouraged people to think about what they want in life and to start imagining how to start making those dreams come true. Now, Hellen wants to help us take the next step with goal setting.

You need to set goals in order to reach your dreams because goals represent the actual steps you need to take to get there. If you want to be rich, you need to know how much money will make you feel that way. Or if it's a big house you want, how many rooms will it have? Once you break your dream down into steps, they seem more realistic and you have a better chance of getting what you want.

When she sat down to chat with Steven and Chris, Hellen explained seven simple steps to setting your goals. Here's what they are:

Goal Setting 101:

1. Set goals that excite you. Determine the payoff.

If your goal is to lose weight and get in shape, maybe the payoff is to have enough energy to go on a biking trip to Italy.

2. Set a realistic deadline.

Without a deadline, it's hard to get motivated to start. If your goal is to de-clutter the basement, get together with the neighbours to set a date for a garage sale!

3. Put supportive accountability in place.

Figure out who you can turn to and who has your interests at heart to check in with you and give you guidance and support.

4. Set a start date.

Setting a start date gets you mentally prepared. You might not be ready with all the supplies you might need, but if you set a start date, you have time to get together what you need.

5. Laser focus.

Choose two or three important goals and focus on those. If you shoot for too many things, you won't be able to give enough energy to all of them.

6. Take one small action every day toward your goal.

Goals can be overwhelming but if you choose one little thing every day, they are more manageable. Just be sure to be consistent and you do your tiny, easily achievable step every day and you'll get there. For example, if your goal is financial freedom, start with empting your loose change into a jar every day. By the end of the day, there's enough to put into the bank and by the end of the year, you have enough to invest.

7. Stay open to guidance.

Be open and flexible to what might come your way. Sometimes, there could be a shorter route to your goal than you may have expected. If your goal is to get married, don't turn down an invitation just because you think you won't meet anyone you like there. You might meet someone who can introduce you to someone you do like!

For more advice from Hellen, visit her website at www.weorganizeu.com