The Importance of Setting Goals
In my last article, I laid out the reasons why you don’t need new year’s resolutions. At the end of it, I mentioned that setting goals would give you a better shot at self-improvement.
An excellent goal is one that is just high enough to stretch you out of your comfort zone but still realistic enough to be attainable. You may already be familiar with the concept of SMART goal-setting (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound), which is a widely-used methodology for setting your goals.
Before getting to the “how” part of the equation, it’s important to understand the “why”. Hence, in this article, I will be laying out nine reasons why setting goals is important for your progress.
1. Goals help you identify what’s important in your life
The process of setting a goal requires you to take a really close look at your life and figure out what truly matters to you. In order for a goal to be achieved, it needs to align with your primary purpose as an individual. Knowing what you want out of your life goes a long way in putting you in the right frame of mind to go after it.
2. Goals provide direction for your life
Once you know what your purpose is and you set your goals accordingly, you gain clarity on what direction you should be taking with your life. When you reach a crossroads and you are not sure which way to turn, a goal list acts as your compass, giving you your bearings and pointing you towards your true North, that is, your purpose.
3. Goals help you manage your time wisely
You’ve heard the saying that procrastination is the thief of time. Well, when you have a serious goal you are working towards – one that’s in line with your purpose – you will have a clearer understanding of how you should optimize your time use so you achieve your dreams. This doesn’t mean the habit of procrastination vanishes overnight, but it does help you to keep it under control.
4. Goals help you to communicate better
A question that almost always leaves people stumped is, “What do you want?” Oftentimes people have no idea what they truly want. Their communication is therefore ineffective because they say one thing, only to discover later on that it wasn’t completely true. Such a hazy outlook casts a fog in your mind and on your surroundings, hindering your progress in life. With clear goals set, you are better able to navigate through conversations and clearly communicate what your needs and expectations are in order to reach your target.
5. Goals build accountability
The moment you set a goal, you become responsible for its achievement. Everything pertaining to that goal falls on you; hence, when you write down your goals and actively work towards them, you build a strong sense of accountability to yourself. In addition, as you continue to be persistent on your path, you also cultivate self-respect and integrity, both of which are remarkable attributes of highly successful people.
6. Goals give you motivation
Sometimes life can be dreary and monotonous, with seemingly no end to the struggles. In such low times, it’s very natural to feel disheartened and even contemplate giving up. Having a specific goal that you are working towards can provide you with the necessary motivation to keep going. A goal is something you can look forward to, a promise that the future will be bright.
7. Goals help you to measure your progress
Because human beings are social creatures, we often compare ourselves to each other. This leads to some people feeling like they are stuck in one stage of their life while the rest of their peers advance. Having a goal helps you to keep things in perspective. It allows you to measure your progress according to your personal aspirations, thus protecting you from any feelings of lagging behind.
8. Goals give you personal satisfaction
There’s no confidence booster quite like achieving a goal you set for yourself. When you reach that target, it’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you can stand up straight with your chest out and proclaim, “I did it!” Seeing your dreams come to pass is deeply satisfying, increases your self-esteem and allows you to see yourself in a new light.
9. Goals facilitate personal growth
Achieving your goals and experiencing that personal satisfaction gives you an idea of what’s possible when you set your mind to it. Before long, you will be setting bigger goals that require even more effort. These incremental improvements add up over time and help you to grow personally and professionally.
As you can see, goal-setting is an integral part of achieving the success you dream of. Over the years, I have helped people just like you set SMART goals for their professional and personal lives, guiding them through each step until they reached their destination. I can do that for you too, so if you’re ready to take the next step, go ahead and book a free consultation with me today.