Why I’ve always hated goals

Are you someone who is interested in where you are heading, and what you’ve achieved? Do you take the time to sit down and focus on the specifics of what you want, or do you just have a general idea in your head of what you’re after?


credit: deritastudio

When I was in high school, we used to have a class called something like “study techniques” It was basically a chance for the teacher to give us a 45 minute pep-talk on the importance of studying, goals, and goal-setting techniques.

The class was mostly school work related, but they linked it to every day practices of goal setting in all other areas of your life. I swear, ever since this time whenever I hear the word goals it makes me wince and turn off! Something about that whole “you gotta set your goals!” thing triggers negative memories in my brain – sitting down with a piece of paper and the titles “short term goals… medium term goals… ” doesn’t make for a fun afternoon!

Why the concept prevails

As you know, there’s been a lot written on mindset and the power of your attitude. I recently watched the video the secret, and a lot of what they talk about also has to do with changing the way we think about our goals and the things we want out of life. While I may not be thrilled with labels like goals or being told you gotta set your goals! – the concept of goal setting is actually really important, and here’s why:

  • You’re not setting yourself up to actually achieve what you want out of life if it remains just an idea in your head
  • You are limiting yourself when you don’t set your targets high

     
    Lets face it – even though I hear every single week from someone at work “if my lotto numbers come up, I’m outta here!”, in reality the things that I want out of life aren’t going to drop into my lap from some magic fantasy land.

    Likewise, a mindset of “it’d be nice to have that car one day” will not help you to actually get that car. If we’re really honest with ourselves, when we start thinking that way, we’re actually living a reality where the goal is not achievable. Thinking to yourself “I’d love a bigger house” is not really even a goal, it’s just a nice thought.

    Set some goals!

    If you’re like me and have been conditioned to baulk at the thought of “goals”, think of it another way. “What I will achieve by the end of this year…” “Things I will accomplish in the next 3 weeks..” As reluctant as I initially was to do this, it turns out the folks back at school were right (doh!) Goal setting works, if you do it right!

    Thrust some reality into your goals

    Here’s a couple quick tips to turn ‘nice thoughts’ into achievable goals.

    1. Brainstorm about what you really want from life, really use the opportunity to think about all key areas:

      • relationships
      • money and income
      • life experiences and travel
      • material things, houses, cars
      • social life, friends
      • spirituality
    2. Write it down! This is really important. Make your goals a reality, not just a concept.

    3. Visualise yourself living the life you want: having more money, driving that car. See yourself actually in the position you would like to be, and begin to eliminate the mindset of living in your current reality.

    4. Keep your eyes open for opportunity. When you have goals and see them as being achievable, your mind starts to shift from it’s current reality, to believing it will happen. Instead of wondering “how can I achieve these goals!”, start to see yourself already having the things you want. Don’t be afraid to give things a go – use the opportunities that present themselves.

    Do you ever worry that it might be too late to do the things you want, or to have a life that’s different from your current reality?
    Don’t fool yourself!

    Believe that good things can happen, write down what you want from life. Stay positive, and get cracking – today is the day to start living the life you want.