Continuing on my 30 day blog challenge…
Today’s theme is ‘Goals’.
Picture from: http://www.soccerpunter.com
Just what is a goal?
A goal is an aim which a person aspires to. We all have goals, and for good reason: they give your life direction. No one likes to feel like they don’t have a purpose. Goals give you a purpose, and a reason to get motivated.
How do you set a goal?
Goals can be anything:
- Pass an exam
- Quit smoking
- Take up a new hobby
All admirable aims, but you’re not going to achieve these straight away. You have to work towards them. They are long-term goals.
So, how about in the short term?
Picture from: http://www.pureleverage.com
The best way to reach your goal is to split it up into bite-size chunks.
Long-term goal: pass exam
Your short-term goals might be:
- Read over notes
- Highlight areas I don’t understand
- Ask teacher about things I don’t get
- Get a friend to test me
- Try some practise questions
- Do exam
That horrible exam doesn’t look so difficult when it is broken down into stages, does it?
Still not convinced?
I’ve said goals give you a purpose. That’s a reason to get up in the morning. Your mood’s already changing.
Short-term goals mean you can measure your progress and see how close you are to your end goal. With every accomplishment, you grow more and more optimistic that you will achieve your long-term goal. Add in increasing self-confidence with every step, and what’s not to love?
Goals allow you to take control of your own life. You set that target, and you know exactly what you’re aiming for. No more drifting. Recognising your own potential and capability is a huge bonus of setting and achieving goals.
Oh, and did I mention the sense of purpose that setting goals creates also lowers your stress-levels and the risk of depression?
But don’t just take my word on it…
Famous people, both past and present, such as the author CS Lewis set goals. These are people who are famous for the things they have already achieved, and they’re still setting goals!
What’s your goal?
Tomorrow’s theme is ‘What I’m Doing Now’. If you missed yesterday’s post ‘About Me’ click here.
scribbley 