Set Your own Goals

Goal setting is probably a topic you've heard about far too many times! However, when the topic has been brought up no one has actually taken the time to make clear to you why it's important to set goals or presented the information in a way that motivates you to follow through. The following are motives to set goals:

If you don't take time to set your own goals, someone else undoubtedly will.
I once over heard it said that your time will become a slave to others if you choose not to seize it for yourself. What this means is that if you don't set your course and determine where you want to go, someone else's agenda will take over. As a result, your goals will actually be someone else's. At the core of it all, by setting your own goals you are working towards what YOU want, not what anybody else wants.

2. Goals inject desperation into our natural passivity. When a goal is stated there is a timeline attached. It serves as a deadline forcing our minds to respond to action. Our minds then spring into action! For instance, if I plan to "eventually get in shape" it will not ever become a reality. But if I set a goal to compete in a triathlon in fall, even though the occasion is four months away I know I have to start training now to reach my goal.

Goals focus us in on the people and the resources we require in order to succeed. For instance, when you are shopping for a specific item like a house or car you start to take notice of only those particular items. In the same way, when you have established a to the point goal to strive for you find resources and make contact with people who will help you achieve the goal. If you're planning to run the half marathon you pay more attention to nearby running club notices on the bulletin boards; if you are taking a course on internet marketing you get very interested in what people are typing into their laptops at the coffee shop.

4. Goals help you comprehend what not to do. Tell me, when was the last time you had a lot of time on your hands? Has that ever occurred? Probably not. Every time we say 'yes' to something, it will mean we are saying 'no' to countless other things. Aimless people without goals automatically move towards what is a) easiest or b) what is most urgent. Goal setters have an easier time saying "no" to the alternatives because they have a reason both for themselves and for those pressuring them to do something that is counter to their goals-why they really aren't going to do it.

Goal setters are able to accomplish more. There, I said it. The big one, the motive you have probably heard a million times and tried to ignore because you are "not a goal setter." No more justifications. You need to become a goal-setting type! Get a system in place for setting goals; develop or find a solid template designed for goal setting and finally, and above all, revolve your life around it. In turn, you will accomplish more, you will find more satisfaction and direction in life and you will do more of the things you deem important.