“You have to set goals”
I grew up hearing my mom saying this. She would often tell me that goals gave one a sense of focus and direction and that without them we are like flags moving to any direction that the wind blows.
It stuck with me. And now as I continue growing in both my personal and professional life, I have made it a mantra that I repeat to myself and those around me.
Goals get you going somewhere; you cannot embark on a journey without clearly mapping out where your final destination is.
Yet, we find ourselves doing just that in many areas of our lives. We embark on a journey not knowing where the final destination is.
So whether you are trying to find a new job, apply for that master’s course or change your financial situation, you shouldn’t wait for the right time to start goal-setting. Start now! Here’s why;
Goals give you direction
They give you focus. Goals help you know what steps make sense for you and when you should be taking those steps.
Goals provide a finish line
Think of a marathon, every athlete aims to cross that finish line and celebrate. Good goals are definite. You have either arrived at the final stop or still have a long way to go. Goals let you know when you are done and when you can celebrate. It provides that finish line.
Goals motivate you
Nothing comes easy. You may face setbacks, struggles, and failures but that should not deter you. Think of them as temporary roadblocks, it may take you longer to bypass the problem and achieve what you want but you will eventually get there. Goals motivate us to always remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Goals help you monitor progress
Being able to keep track of your progress toward achieving a goal is only possible if you set one in the first place.
Being able to measure progress is extremely rewarding and will help you maintain focus, keep your head held high and your energy up. It will also keep you from getting down.
Sometimes, when working towards success, it’s easy to become discouraged because you don’t feel you have “arrived” yet. Goals let you know whether you are failing or succeeding to reach the finish line.
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Goals help you beat procrastination
“Procrastination is the thief of time”
Why put off something for tomorrow when it can be done today?
Procrastination is something we all battle with from time to time, me included. However, when you set goals in life, specific goals for what you want to achieve, it helps you understand that procrastination is dangerous.
It wastes time. It is another day you aren’t moving closer to that goal.
Goals help make decisions
Focus is a powerful tool. Goals help you stay focused and say “yes” to what helps and “no” to what holds you back. The act of setting goals forces you to contemplate what you truly want out of life.
What is the level of success you want to achieve? What is the income level you want to have? What does your life of ease look like? What about your dream home? What do you need income-wise to achieve your dreams?
You achieve more with goals
When you set a goal and reach it, it gives you the taste of victory. This motivates you to want to achieve that again.
What does that mean? You push yourself towards the next step of the journey, challenging yourself to move past another obstacle or experience, helping you achieve even more.
Conclusion,
So with all these factors in mind, what does a good goal look like?
They look S.M.A.R.T.;
- Specific-What do you want to achieve?
- Measurable-Can you quantify it?
- Achievable/Attainable-Is it possible?
- Realistic-Does it make sense? Is it relevant?
- Time-based-What is the timeline? A year? 9 months?
This is a commonly used acronym that describes the characteristics of a good goal. It is used everywhere in the world. So start adopting it. As you set your goals, it’s worth considering if they have the characteristics of a S.M.A.R.T. goal. If not, your goal may need some adjusting.
Have you been waiting for the “right time” to start chasing your dreams? Do you tell yourself that you will do it next week, next month, or next year? If you subscribe to this view, then there’s a good chance that “the right time” will never come.
You can do this. Don’t waste this journey wandering. Identify your goals and passionately chase after them.
“You have to set goals.”
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