The Importance of Goal Setting
I have always been a strong proponent of the vital importance of goal setting, when it comes to achieving the highest level of success in one’s life.
Today, however, I keep reading more articles, and seeing more stories in the media that seem to be chipping away at the importance of this process of affirmatively capturing your goals in writing so that you have a “road map” for your future aspirations. I couldn’t disagree more with this approach that teaches that goal setting is trivial. I abide by the wisdom that Benjamin Franklin espoused, when he said that, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
I have always been a goal-setter, ever since I was a kid. In fact, since junior high school, I always had a 5-year plan for my life. This plan laid out my goals for achievement in academics, my personal life, family, physical fitness, faith, and leadership/extra-curricular activities. This goal setting process evolved as I graduated from high school and entered college. This process has been refined further over the years to cover my career goals and plans. In short, this process has always served me well, and it has kept my energies focused and my “eyes on the prize,” so to speak.
The process that I have used with some good success in my life has been the implementation of the SMART goal system. The SMART goal acronym stipulates that effective goals should be:
- Specific
- Measureable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-Bound
I challenge you to sit down in a relaxing place, and capture your goals in writing for the areas of achievement that truly matter to you. This will differ from person to person. These goals may be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or multi-year goals. This is entirely up to you, and what works best in your life. The important thing is that you have your goals written down on paper or captured electronically where you can see them on a daily basis, thus keeping the goals “front and center” in your life. Use this goal setting process as a vehicle to channel your passion and vigor to the areas of life that inspire you the most. Remember the immortal words of the great American writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, who noted aptly that, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
As always, remember to lead with purpose!
