subject: Good Reasons to Set Goals [print this page] Goal setting is probably a topic you've heard about far too many times! But no one has bothered explaining in a way that motivates you and makes sense to you why exactly you need to set goals. Below are five good reasons to be a goal-setter:
When you choose not to set personal goals, it leaves the door open for others to set them for you.
A respected person once said that your time will come under the control of dominant people in your life if you choose not to seize your time. Basically, if you don't chart your own course in life, someone else will take over the controls for you. As a result, your goals will actually be someone else's. You are able to work towards what you desire in life rather than what somebody else wants all by laying down personal goals.
Setting goals creates an urgency calling us out of our passive state. When a goal is stated there is a timeline attached. It serves as a deadline forcing our minds to respond to action. Our minds then spring into action! If I want to "get in shape someday" then I never will. But if I set a goal to compete in a triathlon in fall, even though the occasion is four months away I know I have to start training now to reach my goal.
Goals focus us in on the people and the resources we require in order to succeed. For example, when you are looking for a particular item like an article of clothing or an ingredient for a recipe you start to take notice of only those items. In the same way, when you have established a concise goal to strive for you find resources and make contact with people who will help you achieve the goal. If you are planning to compete in a triathlon you start to find articles and tips on exercising for the event; if you are taking an accounting course you start to take more interest in other people's financial portfolios.
4. Goals help you understand what not to do. Tell me, when was the last time you had too much time on your hands? Has that ever occurred? Probably not. Whenever we make a choice to do something we are also making a choice not to do many others. Most people, goal-less and wandering, just do what comes easiest or what is more urgent. Goal setters however, are able to turn down alternatives because they can see how saying 'yes' will negatively impact their ability to carry out their goals.
Goal setters are able to accomplish more. There you have it; the core reason to set goals that you've been staying away from because you're not a "goal-setting person". No more justifications. You need to become a goal-setting type! First, get a program tailored for goal setting. Second, put together or get a template to help you set your goals. Lastly, use these tools to guide your life. In turn, you will accomplish more, you will find more happiness and direction in life and you will do more of the things you deem important.
