Why Set Goals?

For many years, the ability to effectively set goals has been known to be the key skill for success.

Why? Goal setting allows you to choose in what direction you would like your life to unfold. It allows you to actively choose what work you would like to do, where you would like to live, what experiences you would like to enjoy. Goal setting puts you firmly in the driving seat of your life.

An illustration

In a study performed at Yale University in the 1950’s, each member of a graduating class was questioned about their goal setting habits. The survey found that, at time of graduation, the students fell into the following categories:

3% of the graduates had written goals and strategies for achieving them;
10% had goals in mind, but no written strategies;
60% had wishes and dreams; and
27% had no idea.

Twenty years after the initial survey, a follow up study was performed to determine how the participants had fared in their time since graduation. Amazingly, it was concluded that the 3% who had written goals and had strategies for achieving them were worth more financially than the other 97% combined. In fact, it was found that the level of income achieved by the participants correlated almost perfectly with their ability and willingness to set goals in this area.

What are the implications for you?

As you set goals for your life and begin to move towards them, you will notice the following benefits:

Life will move in the direction you choose. By setting goals, you have thought about the direction you want your life to take and as you set plan and work towards them, you will find yourself on the path you chose, not one you happened to find yourself on, or one chosen by others.

You will have more focus in your life. Goals focus your attention and energies in a single direction, on a predetermined outcome which is important to you. By having this focus, you are far less likely to be distracted and move off in other directions.

You will grow in self confidence as you achieve key milestones on your path. You will gradually begin to see that you are the creator of your life, and you can choose any direction you like.

You will have more hope and purpose. Your life may not be where you want it to be yet, but you are safe in the knowledge that you are working towards living the life you have designed and that by setting effective goals and plans you will get there.

Your outlook will begin to change. People who do not set goals often feel a sense of hopelessness, it is common they will whine about their circumstances and life situation. In contrast, people who set goals are in control of their life, and know they are heading in the direction they have chosen.

You will become more enthusiastic about life. As you see your life moving in the direction you have chosen, you can’t help but be enthusiastic.

You will find that you achieve more in a few short years than most people achieve in a lifetime.

We know for a fact that as soon as you start setting effective goals and start moving towards them, your life will change for the better. We highly recommend that you start goal setting today and discover these benefits for yourself.

The more well defined the goal is, the greater your focus and the greater your chances of success. For more details, you might want to read How To Set Effective Goals.

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