In the game of life, success comes from a combination of skill and motivation, the latter of which begins with the setting of goals. The two combine with a synergy to create success. Even if you are incredibly talented, without a vehicle and the right direction, you will never be able to maximise your potential.
This theory applies to everything from academic success to sports performance and parenthood; you need goals to achieve good things.
According to Psychology Today contributor, Hara Estroff Marano, "The objectives provide attention. Without a vision or plan, people tend to be adrift. The objectives provide a yardstick for progress. The objectives improve productivity. Reinforce self-esteem and, above all, the objectives increase the commitment, so it is more likely to achieve what you intend to conquer."
The importance of setting goals is undeniable. To achieve your goals, you must recognise that you need to have goals in the first place.
Here are today's top ten benefits of setting goals. For all the fans of "clickbait" out there: one of them might surprise, fascinate or delight you!!!
One: Goals give you focus and direction
To achieve a goal, you have to know where to aim. To reach your final destination, you need to know in which direction you have to travel.
Good goal setting includes analysing your current position, so you know where to start - and defining the outcome, so you know where the finish line is. From this, you can make an effective plan of the journey and gain the motivation to focus your efforts on tasks.
Having well-defined objectives encourages you to focus, point your efforts in the right direction and work with a greater effort so that you can enjoy achieving success in all areas of your life.
Two: Goals allow you to measure your progress
It is not always easy to motivate yourself to work hard, and it can be especially difficult if you feel that you are not going anywhere, you are only enslaved, without direction, without real reward.
By setting a goal and evaluating how to reach it, you are giving yourself an awareness of your progress. Well defined objectives provide a purpose, a reason to break your soul working, and a way to measure your progress.
Three: Goals remind you of your highest purpose in a manageable way
It is easy to become caught up in the moment and by the small traps that life puts in your way. Having a constant reminder of what you are working for helps you to dismiss life's traps, and setting goals is a great way to get it.
You can stay focused on your primordial dream, and work towards that potentially intimidating result with manageable baby steps. Sports psychologist Dr Frank Smoll explains that "Dividing any long-term goal into several smaller, achievable ones helps promote achievement and success."
Four: Goals keep you motivated
Motivation is the key to success in all areas of life. For example, when it comes to your career, it is crucial to establish clear objectives, so you remain motivated in your work.
"Highly motivated individuals have a willingness to do the job efficiently, resulting in increased productivity, increased revenue, cost savings and satisfied employees and business owners," explains Matt McKay.
Five: Goals create accountability
In life, not everything goes according to plans. You can fail, you will have to adjust your efforts, and you can experience disappointments. And that's all OK; In fact, it is an integral part of the goal-setting process.
Setting concrete goals not only gives you something to work towards, but it allows you to evaluate your success and your failure. Did you get what you set out to do? Did you do everything possible to get there? Were there times when you could act differently? Goal-setting forces you to be responsible for your actions, good or bad. No cheating, no excuses, set the goal, you do not have to reach it the first time. You do have to work towards it, with yourself judging how well you are doing what you promised yourself you would do.
Six: Goals reveal your true desires
When you put your dreams in writing, you force yourself to think about what you want in life. Whether defining career goals, goals of your personal life, or goals for your physical state, the first step is to reflect on what is important to you and what you are willing to do to achieve those goals.
It is necessary to establish specific goals that are measurable and achievable, and when you challenge yourself to follow the direction of your dreams, you discover what you love.
Seven: Goals are a positive way to promote change
From time to time, you may experience a change in your life as a response to an event that is beyond your control. There is a big difference between being influenced versus embracing change to improve. Goal-setting often inspires you to adjust your life to improve who you are and achieve what you want.
Use positive reminders to stay motivated, and celebrate what you achieve along the way, instead of waiting until things go wrong forcing you to make changes.
You will notice that you will not only get closer to your goals but also improve your mood and your vision of life drastically.
Eight: Goals give you the beliefs and confidence you need to succeed
Something is compelling in the idea of a better future; hope is one of the strongest human emotions. When you accept what your life could be like, then you are even more equipped to make it happen.
Goal-setting enables, if not forces, you to build an image of what you want in your life. Your goals will not only be thoughts or ideas; they become concrete images of what inspires you.