The Power of Setting Goals

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie

There is an old saying that people who don’t have goals are condemned to work for those who do. Goals give you a sense of meaning and purpose. Goals give you a sense of direction. Goals give purpose to life.

Our brain is a goal-seeking organism. Whatever goal we give to our subconscious mind, it will work night and day to achieve.

Here is a 5 step plan to help you set goals:

1. Decide what you want

It’s about getting clarity about your goals and objectives. Author and motivational guru, Brian Tracy said: One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate is vagueness and confusion about what they want to do. Be specific about what you want. And make sure you cover all areas of life – career, money, health, relationships and your interests.

2. SMART goals

Make sure your goals are SMART.

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Actionable
R – Realistic
T – Time-bound

For example, I will lose 10 pounds is not as powerful as I will weigh 135 pounds by 5pm on June 30 (SMART Goal).

3. Write it down

Do you know that people who have clear written goals accomplish 5 to 10 times more than people who don’t?
A goal that’s only in your mind is no goal at all.

4. Commit to your goals

Most of us have goals but are unwilling to pay the price. Commit to your goals and be willing to pay the price.

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
Mario Andretti

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes… but no plans.”
Peter Drucker

5. Take action

We all have dreams but one thing that separate winners from losers more than anything else is that winners take action. Once they developed a plan, they start. They get into motion. Do one thing- any one thing that will take you closer to your goals.

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

SEE ALSO: Why You Should Write Down Your Goals