Why is goal setting important in our lives? The obvious answer is that if we don't know where we want to go, then any destination will do. This may be an oversimplification of goal setting, but it has the ring of truth.
Whether we realize it or not, we are setting goals everyday. Each day, from the moment we wake up, we are deciding what we are going to do with that day. For the vast majority of us, we do this unconsciously. We decide what to have for breakfast, what to wear, how to get to school or work on time, what we must accomplish that day, or just waste the day away watching television. We make a lot of choices and set a lot of goals in the course of a day.
The question we must ask ourselves is are we effective in our goal setting? Since goals are so important to us, are we taking the time to think about the impact they are having in our lives? Are we considering where we are putting our time and effort? Do we get to the end of our day, or the end of our lives, feeling as if we wasted valuable, irreplaceable time in accomplishing little or nothing? Remember, time goes by very fast.
The first thing we must do to effectively live our lives is to give some thought to what we want in life. This is where goal setting comes into play. We are not one-dimensional creatures. We have many facets to ourselves. We have, among others, private personal areas, relationship areas, family areas, business and career areas, financial and spiritual areas in our lives. Each of these areas demands and needs our attention.
We have decisions to make in each of these areas. Again, most of us drift through life wondering why we are getting nowhere. This is why goal setting is so important. To get the most out of life, we must give each of the above areas some serious thought.
Of course the earlier we start in life with goal setting, the better. However, it is never too late to learn to set goals. You can begin today. Take some time to sit and think about your life and what you want out of the rest of it. Examine each area of your life. Think about where you are now and where you would like to be in a few years.
Write down what you would like to accomplish. Begin with just the day in front of you. What do you want to do with it? It's a gift that won't come again. Plan your day to get the most out of it that you can. Then expand your horizons. Set goals for this week, this month, for the rest of the year, for the rest of your life.
Goal setting is one of the most important and valuable exercises we will ever do. It defines our lives. Give serious thought to your goal setting. The rewards will be greater than you can imagine.
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