The Importance of Goals

The Importance of GoalsBy Will RobertsonThe importance of setting goals cannot be overstated. Whether we realize it or not we do achieve our goals anyway, even if we have none. We simply become what we think about all day long, day after day. For example if chasing the monthly rent is the goal then constantly looking for income becomes more important than achieving some level of contribution that would allow an endless supply of money to flow to you over a long time. Money follows passion. If you want to see this in real time and a goal being achieved look no further than what is arguably the best example I know of. Go to this link and listen carefully to the entire video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWykSo what did you just see? Most will say that they saw an unlikely event unfold that literally changed this woman's life forever. And it did so in just under six minutes! But her preparation for this magic moment was well over 40 years. If you were moved enough to want to know her whole story go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_BoyleSo what are goals and how can we get started using them? First we need to get clear about what we want. I like to use method that consists of six pages and on each I write RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER, HEALTH, MONEY, COMMUNITY, and EDUCATION. Let's focus on career. What we'll do next is first write down how you got this far. Then write down where you want to be and by what time. Be specific. Also include what success here looks like to you – how you'll know when you've achieved your goal. Then write down what you feel you'll need to achieve your goal. Things like resources, knowledge, people, circumstances, money, education, advice, guidance, etc. Finally, open up a calendar and set realistic dates for the achievement of small steps that move you toward your final goal. You can then repeat this process for any of the other six pages that make up your goal package.A couple of final tips --- it's okay to share your goals with others but if you do be general, not so specific that if you miss a deadline you're spending time trying to explain yourself. It's counter-productive. Also you might consider joining with one or two others who also are setting goals so you can support and acknowledge each other on progress. Finally, when you do achieve your goal you need to acknowledge to yourself that you are celebrating a victory. Then reset your next goal and start up the next staircase to achievement.We all need goals to help keep us on track and on purpose. Otherwise we're like a ship without a rudder, drifting on the seas of life hoping to end up in a port of paradise but eventually ending up crashed on a rocky shore far from any desirable destination and feeling like a failure. In reality, a failure to plan is a plan to fail. We all deserve to succeed and be our best. Goals will help us get there. Do this and let's meet up in the winner's circle!