Goal setting inspires
Imagine a boat on the high seas. The boat is equipped with the
latest instruments and gadgets. All the officers and the sailors
are fully trained. The fuel tanks are full. The machinery is in
order. Everything is fit and fine. Except that the boat has
sailed, but the commander does not know the destination.
Some of us live like this boat. They are well educated, and
healthy in body. But as they have set no goals for their life,
they keep on changing the direction at every opportunity. What
are goals and how do goals help us in life? Let us discuss this.
We have many parts in our life that combine together to give us
a whole look. Career, home, our religion, hobbies, friends are
some such parts of our life.
For some of us who are young, career goals take the priority.
For some others family goals are equally important. For those
who are now retired, friends, hobbies, religion, get the
priority. One has to sit quietly and think and write about one's
goals. One has to imagine of the ideal life one desires, and
what must happen to get that ideal life. That will give broad
parameters of goals in different areas.
Once we know our goals in general, we have to prioritize them.
What comes first? For example, If I have a goal of getting more
promotions and reaching the top of my company, should I not give
more time and thought to that compared to developing new
friendships? After the broad goals are set, divide them in small
parts of the time frame. I want to reach the top of my company
in next ten years. This year, I will try and get at least one
promotion. I have health goal of keeping myself fit for my life.
This year, I will change my diet to include more of fibers and
stop eating what my doctor advises me not to. I will not give in
to temptations, but always keep my goal of fitness in my mind.
After diving the goals in small steps, take a weekly summary of
everything. What did I achieve this week? Was it satisfactory?
Where did I go wrong? What needs correction? What are my goals
for the coming week? Same exercise should be repeated every
week, every month and every end of the year.
As you find that you are not only setting goal, but are also
nearing them,it will give you more inspiration. It will increase
your self esteem. It will give you focus and it will give you
more determination. Happiness is the result of hard work and
achievements. No one who whiles away the time, ever feels happy.
Happiness comes after realizing that you completed your work to
your own satisfaction. Set goals to lead a happy life.