Why is Goal Setting Important?
Have you ever stopped to think about where you want to be 10 years from now?
If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know which direction to take? If you just keep doing the same things every day, you’ll keep getting the same results.
If you want a beautiful garden, you don’t just scatter seeds randomly and hope for the best. You carefully plan what you want to grow, prepare the soil, plant the seeds in specific locations and nurture them over time. Setting goals is like planning your garden. You identify what you want to cultivate in your life, take the necessary actions, and consistently tend to your growth.
Creating your life is like going grocery shopping. How many times have you gone to the shop without a list, only to buy things you didn’t need and forget what you actually went in for? But when you shop with a list, you get exactly what you need. Setting goals is like making that list for your life: so grab that pen and paper, and start planning your next step.
How to Set Goals
Because goals are so vital to happiness and success, you must WRITE THEM DOWN. Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. In the first column list 50 things (it can be more but not less!) That you want to do, own, learn, achieve, visit or change. Include everything that you’ve ever dreamed would happen to you in your lifetime. In the second column set yourself a time limit and specify what this is next to each of your dreams, for example, within one year, within three years, within five years, within 10 years etc.
On another piece of paper create a separate list for all of your ‘within one-year’ goals, leaving a few lines between each. You can create motivation by visualising the rewards of your effort.
To increase your confidence and motivation, think about the things that you have already achieved in your life that you once thought were really challenging, frightening or couldn’t do. Choose five of your best achievements and write them down. You now know anything is possible as you have achieved huge goals already.
Imagine you are at the bottom of a ladder, your goal being at the top. Forget about the number of rungs of the ladder’s height, just consider what the first step would be. The more rungs you climb, the more your confidence will grow. Once you have identified the first step, which may be as simple as a phone call, looking something up on the Internet, or going to the library, take this first step right now.
The great thing about creating a goal list is that it is not written in stone. It can change as both the years and your personality progress. But what does happen when you start to make your aspirations visible by writing them down and remembering to read them regularly is that suddenly your dreams become a reality.
Start Setting Goals Today
- Begin by writing your goals down. You need a clear vision of exactly what it is you want to attain. The simple act of physically getting things down on paper is the first step to achieving them. Use our Goal Planner to get started.
- Choose goals that inspire you and that will lead you to a happier way of life.
- Break your goals down into a series of steps. This not only makes them more manageable but will stop you from becoming overwhelmed.
- Be both persistent and consistent. It is normal to feel frustrated if things do not go to plan immediately but stay focused on where you are heading and why.
- Visualise the end result. Picture yourself coming out the other side. Imagine what it will feel like when you hit your target. Keep this image clear in your mind and don’t forget to reward yourself when you get there.
