Let’s face it setting goals is important. If it were not the case there would not be over 12.6 million resources available when you put goal setting in the search bar on Google. The first thing that pops up is a definition:
“Goal setting is an important method of: Deciding what you want to achieve in your life. Separating what’s important from what’s irrelevant, or a distraction. Motivating yourself. Building your self-confidence, based on successful achievement of goals.”
Sounds like good stuff doesn’t it? I would be the first to admit that goal setting is a subject that I have not been fond of throughout my life. I set unrealistic goals and when I did not achieve them I beat myself up, or I set goals that I thought I “should” have been setting which meant I wasn’t that committed to achieving them in the first place. If you don’t set goals you can’t fail, right? Wrong!
A different take on goals
“The optimal state of inner experience is one in which there is order in consciousness. This happens when psychic energy— or attention— is invested in realistic goals, and when skills match the opportunities for action.”
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi.
It is in pursing what is important to us in a meaningful way that we bring order to our lives. Through stretching ourselves and raising the bar we extend ourselves. More than that, it is a way of directing your attention and focusing your abilities at will in service of the attainment of a goal. It is also a fantastic way to stay in the present. That may seem counter intuitive as mostly goals are about something out in the future. If you set goals with clear steps to their accomplishment you will always be focused on what you need to do now to achieve it. This is the path from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Happiness and fulfillment is directly related to your goals
How close we come to achieving the goal becomes a way of measuring the quality of our lives. So, it goes without saying that the goals we set need to be appropriately matched to our skills and we need to have an environment that supports their fulfillment. If we set goals that are unrealistic and without a clear pathway to achieving them the goal remains out of reach. From there it is easy to become resigned and cynical. It is equally true that we need only partly achieve a goal to experience happiness and satisfaction.
When the feedback we are getting aligns with our values and takes us towards our goals and desired outcomes energy flows effortlessly. A strong sense of self develops and confidence increases. This is directly correlated to having successfully invested energy into a goal that YOU choose to pursue. Which brings me to a key point: Goal setting is not necessarily about the achievement of the goal. It has more to do with moving in the general direction of the goal.
It’s all about the journey
The goal itself is not the purpose. The real purpose of a goal is to focus your energy and achieve fulfillment and happy so that you can enjoy the journey. Goals help keep your life on track in the direction of a future outcome. An outcome that you can whittle away at today gaining fulfillment from the achievement of yet another step toward your ultimate goal. I have a vision for my life and for Andreia. Whether or not it comes to fruition is secondary. Since every step I take, include writing this blog takes in that direction it gives meaning to my life and makes the journey far more enjoyable.
PS. I have included a PDF on goal setting. Just click on the link below.
[dt_sc_button link=”https://theandreiamethod.com/solution/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/5-Points-On-Goal-Setting.pdf” size=”medium” bgcolor=”#00adda” textcolor=”#ffffff” align=”center” target=”_blank”]Practical Facts About Goals[/dt_sc_button]