Do you sometimes feel like you are wandering around without a clear direction? Or something has changed in your life, and you feel like what once worked for you no longer serves you? Or maybe you have a good idea of what you want to do but are finding it hard right now to break it down into manageable steps. Well, this is where goal-setting swoops in to save the day!
There is a lot of research about goal setting, and I think it is worthwhile to expand a little on its incredible benefits. Studies have repeatedly shown that setting clear and specific goals significantly enhances our motivation and performance. When we set goals, our brains get a dose of “purposeful excitement” and switch into “achievement mode”, releasing neurotransmitters that rev up our determination and focus.
It is also not just about the initial burst of enthusiasm. Some research suggests that setting goals can help sustain our motivation over the long haul. We are more likely to persist through challenges and setbacks when we have a clear target. It’s as if our goals become our cheerleaders, reminding us why we started in the first place.
It is also essential to review our goals periodically and see whether they are still serving us or whether they still fit into the stage of life we are currently in. Reviewing and occasionally letting go of goals is just as crucial as setting them. Life is dynamic, and circumstances change. Regularly assessing our goals ensures they remain relevant and aligned with our current aspirations. I also firmly believe that releasing goals that no longer resonate frees up energy and resources for pursuits that genuinely matter, fostering adaptability and personal growth along the way.
So back to the benefits. The thing about goal setting is that it is not a one-way street. It does also fuel our creativity and problem-solving skills. As we strive to reach our goals, our minds start churning with innovative ideas and strategies. Who doesn’t want a dose of that?
And the benefits of goal setting are not confined to just one area of our lives. It’s a domino effect that spills into various aspects, from career to health and relationships. Studies have shown that individuals who set goals experience lower stress and anxiety levels, possibly because clear objectives reduce the ambiguity that can trigger these negative emotions.
Oh, and did I mention the incredible boost to our self-confidence? Achieving even the smallest goals provides a sense of accomplishment that reminds us, “Hey, I can do this!” This confidence then snowballs, making us more willing to take on more significant challenges in the future.
I have been a goal-setter my whole life, and I can tell you that if I somehow lose sight of my goals, things go wobbly for me. That’s when I come back to basics. So, I thought I would share a technique I learned more than 23 years ago through Leadership Management International on goal setting. The below form has been adapted from their work and flavoured with my experience and the things that have worked for me. Feel free to adjust it to suit you. I hope it will be of value to you.
So I invite you to use the form I have provided or create your own and get at it. It is one sheet per goal. And once you complete the goal, please file it either on your computer or in a paper file – marked: My Accomplishments Year 20XX.
And if you are not sure what areas to focus on, check out the Wheel of Life exercise.
As always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
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