Goal setting is the first step towards making your dream a reality. It helps a person stay focused and helps them achieve personal milestones in their life. Understanding the importance of goal setting and the benefits of sticking to them can motivate you to set clearly defined goals.
Here are five reasons why goal setting is important.
Gives You Focus
Imagine shooting an arrow without a target; you wouldn’t know where to aim. Goals direct you and help your mind focus on progressing towards your main goals. They define your actions and behaviors as you continue moving forward.
Allows You to Measure Progress
Setting measurable and scalable goals helps you measure your progress because there’s a fixed aim or benchmark to compare with. For instance, if your goal is to write a 300-page book, and you lose track of how many more pages you’ve written, instead of panicking, you can just count the number of completed pages and compare it with the end goal to measure your progress.
Helps You Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is being distracted by the next big thing and abandoning what you are working on. Goals create mental barriers or blinders that help you avoid distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. Your goals act as subconscious deterrents to anything less than your main priorities.
Helps You Overcome Procrastination
When you set goals, you hold yourself accountable for achieving them. You work towards your target even when no one is watching. Setting goals is key to keeping yourself accountable and on track. They drive you to stick to the schedules and deadlines you’ve set for yourself. However, procrastination is common while working towards long-term goals; breaking your long-term goals into smaller steps with a weekly or monthly timeframe could help you stay on track.
Gives You Motivation
Clearly defined SMART goals make you feel good about yourself and what you were able to accomplish.
SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
The dopamine release you get from achieving your goals is like a little reward for your brain. This continually motivates you to try and hit the next goal, keeping that positive momentum going.
Read breakthrough coach Jenni Viken’s new book to learn how to set healthy boundaries and start on the path towards success.