We make goals every day, multiple times a day. Why are setting goals so important? What are some benefits of setting goals?
Just before the New Year, we talked about New Year’s resolutions, and how we can keep them. How have your New Year’s resolutions been going? Well, if you’re anything like me, you probably forgot what your resolutions even were. Now, we are at the point where we go throughout each day making goals.
What is a goal?
Depending on who you are, and what your hobbies are, you may think of the word “goal” and instantly think of sports. Unfortunately, we won’t be talking about those types of ‘goals’ today.
Based on positivepsychology.com, we find that “Goals are the first step towards planning for the future, and play a fundamental role in the development of skills in various facets of life, from work to relationships and everything in between. They are the target at which we aim our proverbial arrow.”
What goals have you set?
What are the benefits of setting goals?
I have found on gethealthie.com, 9 benefits to goal setting in our lives.
“Goals provide direction and focus”
Again, goals “are the target at which we aim our proverbial arrow.” Goals give us a place of where we want to go, and help us to stay focused on where we want to be. They lead us into the future, and give us a path to start walking.
“Goals give a sense of personal satisfaction.“
Deciding to make changes in your life can be scary, but just sitting down, and writing the goals that you want to achieve helps you feel that sense of personal satisfaction that you may be looking for. Just imagine the feeling you get knowing that you have achieved the goals that you have wanted to. Setting and accomplishing goals bring confidence and self efficacy.
“Goals help maintain motivation, especially during setbacks.”
Now, you have written down your goals, and maybe even crossed off a couple things on your list. Great! What about the goals you didn’t accomplish? Try again. There is a reason why you set that goal in the first place, and some goals aren’t going to be accomplished overnight. Try again.
“Goals allow people to prioritize change.”
As human beings, our lives are constantly changing. Whether the change be big or small, they are changing. With change comes different priorities, and goals are easy to change when those priorities change.
“Goals set a realistic timeline for goal accomplishment.”
The one thing that people always want, but can never get back is time. Time is always moving, and it’s daunting. Goals can help you make realistic timelines for the things that you want to accomplish in a short period of time, or a long period of time.
“Goals provide a better understanding of expectations.”
Sometimes, human beings have the tendency to underestimate ourselves, or overestimate what we can do. Goal setting can help you to see what you can accomplish, and things you may need to work harder at. Don’t be afraid to try something new and stretch yourself.
“Goals prevent people from feeling overwhelmed.”
Thinking about time, and the many things that we need to have finished in a day, week, month, year, or lifetime can be extremely overwhelming. Writing the things down that you need to accomplish, then the things that you want to accomplish can prevent that feeling of being overwhelmed.
“Goals give clarity to decision making.”
When setting a goal and working to achieve it, you may be thinking that the goal you once wanted to accomplish isn’t helping or you aren’t feeling that sense of accomplishment that you were looking for. Goals can help us to really see what we need in our lives.
“Goals provide a lasting purpose to achieve a healthier life.”
When setting goals, accomplishing goals, and seeing your purpose in life brings clarity, confidence, and happiness.
Why is goal setting important?
“Setting goals helps trigger new behaviors, helps guides your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. In the end, your can’t manage what you don’t measure and you can’t improve upon something that you don’t properly manage.” (positivepsychology.com)
Whether the goals you set are personal goals, team goals, work goals, etc. Goals help us maintain a healthy lifestyle.