Setting Goals and Goal Setting 101

Posted on 19. Nov, 2007 by DeanHunt in Self Improvement

Goal setting affects almost every aspect of your life, everything from financial to health. Yet despite it’s huge importance, it is estimated that over 97% of the population do not actively use goal setting on a regular basis.

If you want to get into this elite 3% club, then continue reading:

Why is Goal Setting Important? 

Goal setting is the science and art of going from where you are now, to where you want to be in the future. Without this, you will wander around and reply on external events to control your direction for you.

The problem with letting other people control your destiny is that other people don’t care about you enough!

Nobody cares about you more than you, so why let them control your life and direction?

Never Let the Waitress Pick Your Food 

When you enter a restaurant you are given a menu, from this menu it is you that should decide what you want. If you let the waitress decide, you may get something that you do not like.

If we don’t like handing over control in a restaurant, then why should we hand over control of our future?

We shouldn’t!!!

You know what you want, nobody else does, so goal setting allows you to focus on that objective.

Goal Setting = Happiness

I am not going to discuss the inner workings of the pleasure-pain principle that was created by Sigmund Freud, but what you need to know is that it controls all human motivation. As humans we search for happiness and we avoid pain,  but there are two ways of doing this:

1) We simply hope for the best

2) We can decide what outcome would make us most happy, and direct our lives and attention to that target

Which do you think will have the better outcome?

Golden Rules of Goal Setting 

There are five simple, yet essential rules for goal setting success:

1) You must be specific – Earning $80,000 per year is better than saying “I want to earn a lot”

2) You must be able to measure your goals – If you want to lose 15lbs, then you can measure this, but if you simply say that you want to be happier or healthier, then you cannot.

3) Your goal must be relevant -  What is it that you are passionate about right NOW? Your goals must be relevant to your current state.

4) Your goal must be timed – Make a specific start and end date for your goals. It is important to have a finish line in your mind.

5) Your goal must be realistic – There is no point saying you want to be an astronaut if you are 96 years old, challenging yourself is great, but the goal must be attainable.

Other goal Setting Tips

Focus on just one goal at a time. This will help you focus.

Learn to take action – talking about something is not the same as doing it. In fact, talking about something is almost worthless. If you are going to achieve something, then action is vital.

Surround yourself with people who can help you reach your goal – The Internet has made it easier than ever to contact and connect with people. Try and speak with people who have already achieved your goal, ask them questions, ask for advice, ask for warnings… most people will admire your passion, and will be happy to help.

Good luck with your goals.