DETERMINING GOALS

03/02/2007

“The most important thing about having goals is having one.” Albert F. Geoffrey

What is the real importance of goals anyway? Well, there are quite a few reasons to have goals, but to put it in a nutshell, goal-setting really does help us to plan and when we plan, it is then that we can do something about making them real. Putting a plan into action is what helps to make our dreams become our reality. The process of goal-setting helps us to choose our direction in life. By knowing precisely what we want to achieve, we will know where we have to concentrate our efforts. We'll also quickly spot the distractions that would otherwise lure us rom our course.

We all, for the most part have goals in mind, but they need clarification, direction and a plan of action. Often the very idea of goals freezes us up. As individuals we can help ourselves by defining our  goals, so that we can work on a specific plan of action, keep focused and get the most out of our business, personal and spiritual lives. It is when we become aware of our core desires, dreams and goals, that we gain a sense of hope and freedom. As Nietzsche said, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

A fellow colleague, Deborah Kolb, mentioned in an article she wrote for my website, ”Did you know that only 3% of people write down their goals, and of that 3%, 80% reach their goals?” That is something worth thinking about. Just thinking about our goals will not make them materialize.

Nevertheless, I feel that goals are not worth the paper they are written on if one’s values are not determined first. Most of the reading I have done suggests that goals go hand-in-hand with success. I want to challenge that by saying that values, passion and desire are the essential ingredients to success. I believe that the reason why so many of us still feel empty after we have achieved a goal is that the goals we strive for are made irrespective of values, passions and desires. When we reach our goals still feeling empty we think that there is something wrong or that we have failed in some way. So we go on to the next goal in search of success, accomplishment and fulfillment. It is my belief that before we begin with goal-setting, it is essential to clarify our values, passions and deep desires first.