7 Reasons To Set Goals

I recently had a conversation with one of my former students. She has been out of school for a few years now but isn’t satisfied with the direction her career has taken. In fact, she’s not too happy with her personal life either. I asked her about her goals. Her response was a rather slack-jawed look of surprise. “Goals?” Well at least she wasn’t whining anymore.

I asked her what she would like to see her career in a few years. I asked her where she’d like to see her life in a few years. She knew the answers to those questions and quickly became animated as she discussed her desire to start her own business. We talked about what she would need to accomplish her goal and what she would have to change.

When we parted ways she felt a lot better about her job because she knew that she wasn’t trapped in it. She was taking a necessary step to prepare herself for a long-term goal. She had her eye on the prize and that focus energized her.

That is the power of goals and there are seven reasons why you need to have them, they are to:

~ Give direction to life
~ Make sure we are the one choosing the direction of our life — not others, not fate, not the media, etc.
~ Motivate
~ Ensure that we get what we want from life
~ Save time
~ Reduce stress
~ Give a sense of accomplishment

While it can be fun to live without direction in the short-term, in the long-term human beings are wired to need a purpose and direction. Goals give a sense of direction and purpose to life.

It is often easy to let others set our direction for us. We take a job because family or friends point us in that direction and then we follow the dictates of our bosses. We move in other directions because popular culture or the media tells us to do so.

The simple truth is that if we do not set our own goals then we will find it too easy to follow a path set by others. This can lead to stress and unhappiness. We have a greater chance of happiness by following our own path and pursuing our own goals.

While goals certainly give our lives direction, they also provide the motivation to get us through difficult times and choices. Perhaps going to college at night while working full-time may be stressful and difficult in the short-term, but in the long run being able to pursue the professional goals we desire will make it worthwhile.

Goals also serve as the destination for what we really want out of life. For some people, they are measured in money or material goods, while for others, they are measured in time or freedom. If we do not have goals outlined that suit our unique perspective on life it is easy to become sidetracked by life and others.

They can also help save time. When your “To Do” list becomes too long and your calendar too full, then you can simply compare your goals to the list. What items help you achieve your goal? What items are necessary them? Scratch off the rest as unimportant.

Just as goals save time they also reduce stress. Using them to focus your life and choices makes it easier to make those choices. Should you take that new position at work? How does it match your goals?

Finally, goals give you a measurable sense of accomplishment. Every step you make toward that goal, can give you a boost of energy and momentum to keep going. Each success powers you toward the next level of success.

Now go out and set your goals!

Further Recommended Reading

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

James provides actionable advice on how to build good habits and break bad ones, which can help boost your self-confidence by making positive changes in your life. The author breaks down the science of habit formation and provides practical strategies for creating and maintaining habits that can help you achieve your goals.

The book is well-researched and easy to read, and includes inspiring stories and examples of people who have transformed their lives through the power of habit. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their self-confidence and build a more fulfilling life.

“Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible” by Brian Tracy

Goals! is a practical guide to setting and achieving goals. Tracy offers a clear and concise framework for creating a vision, setting goals, and developing a plan of action. One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on creating goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 

Tracy’s writing style is engaging and motivational, with real-world examples that illustrate the power of goal-setting. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with actionable steps that can be applied to a wide range of goals. Overall, “Goals!” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to set and achieve meaningful goals in their personal or professional life. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a classic self-help book that has stood the test of time. Covey’s writing is clear and concise, and the ideas presented are practical and easy to implement. The book provides a framework for personal development, focusing on seven habits that are essential for success, including being proactive, setting goals, and seeking win-win solutions. 

What sets this book apart is the emphasis on character development, rather than just skill development. Covey argues that success is not just about what we do, but who we are. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve themselves and achieve success.

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod

“The Miracle Morning” is an excellent book for anyone looking to improve their morning routine and take control of their day. Elrod’s writing is engaging, and his ideas are presented in a way that is easy to understand. The book provides a simple framework for developing a morning routine that can help boost productivity, improve focus, and increase overall well-being. 

The routine involves six practices, including meditation, visualization, and exercise. What sets this book apart is the emphasis on taking a holistic approach to personal development, focusing on both physical and mental well-being. “The Miracle Morning” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to start their day off on the right foot and make the most of their time.

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals” by Michael Hyatt

Your Best Year Ever is a comprehensive guide to setting and achieving meaningful goals, offering a clear and concise framework for creating a vision, setting goals, and developing a plan of action. The author also offers practical advice on how to overcome common obstacles to achieving goals, such as fear of failure and lack of focus.

The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with actionable steps that can be applied to a wide range of goals. The author’s engaging writing style and use of real-world examples make this book an enjoyable and informative read that is sure to inspire readers to take action and achieve their goals. 

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

This book introduces the concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, which can help readers cultivate self-confidence by embracing challenges and learning from failure. Carol provides inspiring stories and research on the power of mindset in achieving success, and offers practical advice on how to develop a growth mindset. 

Available as a book or audio CD, this title includes practical exercises for developing self-confidence and a growth mindset. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their self-confidence and achieve their goals.

The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success by Darren Hardy

In “The Compound Effect,” Darren Hardy explores the power of small habits and how they can compound over time to create significant results. The book is filled with practical advice on how to develop positive habits, including setting goals, creating a daily routine, and tracking progress.

Hardy’s writing is straightforward and easy to understand, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life. Overall, “The Compound Effect” is a must-read for anyone looking to achieve success in any area of their life.