Is there a need to set goals?
It is fair to say the world we are currently living in has created many uncertainties for us, no matter what part of the world you’re in. It can be easy to feel that we have little to no control of the big things in our lives, and we are constantly waiting for the people around us to provide the answers we need to go forward.
However, the reality is that we do have control of what we choose to focus our attention on, how we see our future and where we want to put our energy and time in the present, but it is up to us to assume this responsibility and be the drivers in our lives.
In order to know what to focus on in the now, you need to have a clear end goal or at least an idea of where you would like to be in the future or how you would like to grow. This is where the process of goal setting comes in.
Setting goals can seem overwhelming at times as you are actively trying to change or grow in an area that needs work, but this shouldn’t overwhelm, it should excite. Unlike the dreams we have for ourselves, goals are not imaginary, they are set in reality, and challenge us to surpass even our own expectations of ourselves.
Think of any athlete or someone who you admire that has achieved great things in their life. They had to work hard to get there, regardless of what talents they were given. They had to study hard for that career, train daily for that race or actively work on the kind of person they showed up as for others.
“I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.” - Michael Phelps
Where to begin with goal setting?
Evaluate where you are now. How does life look for you? How are your relationships with family and friends? How are studies going? What hobbies do I currently have that give me joy? What kind of person would I describe myself as?
Now look at how you could improve. Think about where you would like to see yourself in 6 months time. What areas of your life could use some attention? What would you like to grow in?
Set yourself a realistic goal of how you are going to achieve what it is you're setting out to do and make a plan. Write it down. Give yourself a deadline. Get clear on what it is you’re setting yourself up to achieve and why. The clearer you are on your why the more likely you are to achieve it. (This could be either intrinsically or extrinsically motivated)
Get started! By far the hardest aspect of goal setting is actually getting started…we like to put things off but by starting you have already gone further than you did the day before and accepted your own challenge. This shows determination, grit and a willingness to better yourself for the good of yourself and those around you.
Sarah Murphy