Setting personal goals is one of the most life-changing, challenging things you can do. You not only learn about yourself in the process but also discover what you truly want out of life.
It’s easy to find yourself living day by day and simply going with the flow- just doing what you need to get through the day without a bigger picture in mind. Setting personal goals will not only give you a long-term vision but also short-term purpose and motivation. Setting a goal and seeing a vision helps you focus on your future and make small, progressive steps towards accomplishment.
Don’t just go through the motions of the day. Give your actions and energy purpose so you can achieve personal fulfillment and growth. Deciding to strive for goals can not only change your day, but can change your life and help you take control.
Do you already set goals for yourself? If not, pick goals that will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone, make yourself accountable and create a path for personal growth.
Here are six reasons you should set personal goals:
1. Gives You Clarity on a Long-Term Vision
Don’t just serve as a piece to fulfill someone else’s goals. Set goals for yourself so you can relish in your own personal accomplishments! Put value in yourself by challenging yourself to be a better you.
Start with a long-term goal. What do you want out of your life? Finding this purpose will help you establish short-term goals to get you there. Common long-term goals can be broken down into the following categories:
Career – What do you want to achieve in your career? Maybe you want to start your own business or reach a certain level in your company.
Financial – How much do you want to earn and by what stage? How do your financial goals correlate with your career goals?
Education – Are there particular skill sets you need in order to reach your goals? Knowledge is power, and the right knowledge is priceless.
Family – Do you want to be a parent? Do you want to be a better parent? What is your role in your family?
Attitude – Is any part of your mindset holding you back? Practice and focus are what dictate your mindset- what mindset and attitude do you need to reach your goals?
Physical – Are there any athletic goals that you want to achieve, or do you want good health deep into old age? What steps are you going to take to achieve this?
Pleasure – How do you want to enjoy yourself? Maybe you want to focus on early retirement or plan for a certain amount of time off per year.
Public Service – What is your true passion outside of your personal and professional life? How can you become involved with this purpose?
2. Drives You Forward
When you daydream about the future, what do you see? Are you already taking action to make that dream a reality?
Once you have established a long-term vision, write it down! Articulating what you want is the first step towards reaching it. This vision is a mental representation of your desires! Your goals should excite you and motivate you to think ahead. This is your fuel and motivation to drive you forward and reach your goals.
3. Gives You a Focus
When you have laid the groundwork to reach your goals, you have a single focal point to place your attention on.When you don’t have goals, your mind and energy are randomly dispersed on different activities that wont necessarily help you achieve feelings of accomplishment or personal gain. Avoid engaging in activities that merely help you waste time by focusing on tasks and activities that help you reach a greater goal.
Write down the steps to reach your personal goals. Visualize these steps and use your passion and energy to do them! Each time you complete a step, you have reached another personal accomplishment.
Don’t be afraid to make a timeline. Keep yourself on tract and accountable by giving yourself a deadline.
4. Makes You Accountable
Those who are accountable for themselves also tend to be more accountable for others. Being accountable to yourself can can result in personal gain and self confidence. Think about how good you feel when you accomplish a goal set by yourself and done by yourself. This is much more fulfilling than serving as a piece to help someone else reach their goals.
5. Encourages You to Be Your Best
Goals help you challenge yourself and achieve your highest potential. Without goals, you allow yourself to get comfortable and complacent. This can prevent you from growing. Teach yourself to think ahead and stretch beyond your normal routine to allow yourself to grow and uncover potentials you may know know you have. You never know how strong you are until you push yourself.
6. Helps You Live Your Best Life
Discover your personal strengths and desires in life by creating and following through with personal goals. When you hold yourself accountable and meet your own expectations, you feel good and confident! This in turn can allow you to help others do the same in their own lives.
This holiday season, truly think about your long-term goals. What are your desires? Write it down, and use these ideas to become a better you and set personal goals this new year. Don’t underestimate the power and positive effect of goal setting.
What’s your first goal? Start now!
