Goals give meaning to your life, and are a defining factor for success. They keep you motivated and on-track, providing self-confidence and purpose. Without goals, life tends to just pass you by. While most people are at least aware of the importance of goal-setting, few make the effort to clearly define and spell them out. Fewer still know how to set goals effectively.
Goals should be realistic and specific. Aiming for intangibles like “happiness,” “success,” or “being rich” does nothing to guide you. Rather, you need to figure out precisely what it will take to feel like you’ve reached such notions. Brainstorm what these factors might be. When you hit on the right ones, write them down. Goals should be accompanied by a clear and detailed timeline.
When transcribing your goals, phrase them positively. Avoid setting goals that stress what you don’t want or that emphasize negativity in any way. Base goals on your actions, as opposed to results, whenever possible. For example, a student might aim to prepare for a test for a certain amount of time, rather than define the goal as an A on the test. In this way, meeting the goal is entirely in that student’s hands (allowing, for example, that grading can be subjective). Failure to meet a goal can be extremely demotivating.
Start by defining the most long-term goals. These typically relate to education, career, finances, family, health, and personal matters like artistic or other interests. Outline what will be required to meet these goals in order to obtain shorter-term goals. Follow this process to devise even immediate goals.
Once you have goals spelled out, prioritize them. Staring at the plan for your life can easily feel overwhelming and may conjure a fear of failure or even of success. By breaking goals down into small, achievable tasks, and understanding that they won’t all be placing demands on you at all times, your goals won’t seem so daunting. You may also feel overwhelmed by the idea of mapping out your life. Remind yourself that nothing is definitive. Goals are used to provide direction. However, it’s not uncommon for goals and priorities to change over time.
Don’t succumb to pressures that prevent you from setting goals. Fears and doubt are normal, but they should not be used as excuses for failing to give your life direction. Take the time, and never confuse being busy with accomplishing meaningful work. While the process of effective goal setting may be stressful, ultimately the perception of powerlessness over your life is a much more profound source of stress. You do have the ability to control your life, and setting clear short and long-term goals is the key.
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