The Importance of Setting Specific Goals

To achieve happiness in life, it is of the utmost importance that we correctly identify our values so that we know what we are trying to achieve and have a reasonable way to evaluate our actions to see if they are helping us to achieve those values. In much the same way, when we try to achieve a short-term goal, we must clearly identify what result we want to achieve, and set a specific time-limit on its achievement. Both of these steps are absolutely essential for creating success, and if either one is missing the chance for success drops significantly.

When setting out to accomplish something, we must know what it is we wish to accomplish. By stating directly in words, either verbally or in writing, what it is we wish to accomplish, we set a specific goal that will help us to identify steps likely to help us achieve that goal and give us a standard against which we can measure the success of particular actions. For example, simply stating that one wants to get in shape is a poor goal, because there is no specific way to measure whether or not one has been successful. On the other hand, stating that one wants to be able to run five kilometers without stopping gives a specific standard against which one can measure progress.

A side effect of creating an effective method to measure progress is the creation of a built-in motivation system. When one can see movement towards the goal, and especially when the goal is close, it is easier to work past difficulties and force oneself to overcome hurdles. Without that sense of progress, it is much easier to be overwhelmed by difficulties encountered along the way.

There is a part of setting specific goals that deserves special attention because of its importance. In being specific about a goal, one should be sure to set a specific time-frame. That is, one must set a specific deadline for the achievement of a goal. As experience shows, a looming deadline is an incredible motivator, allowing one to create more output in a few hours than in all the many hours or days spent previously. The reasons for this are simple. A deadline forces one to focus on what is essential. No time is spent on side issues, any distractions are banished, small problems are simply bypassed, and the core, fundamental elements receive 100% of the attention. By focusing on what really matters, it is often possible to produce more, better results in less time.

Goal setting is a skill that is largely untaught today. Learning to set and take advantage of good goals will give better results in trying to achieve those values which matter most to us, and in many cases allow more time to spend on achieving other values as well. I have made my it personal new year's resolution to take advantage of goal setting in achieving both long and short term personal values, and I am already reaping the results.