Goal Setting

Everyone knows that goals are what gives life meaning and direction. Goals can be something as small as planning to read one new book a month, or as big as getting a university degree in science. Whether we know it or not, all of us accomplish goals every day of our life. At the very least, we accomplish daily living goals by eating, maintaining a hygiene routine and sleeping.

GOALS

Goals are often broken down into short term or long term goals. Some goals are immediate that respond to our current life situation, while others are more long term that have a future focus.

Often we don't recognize what we are capable of doing, or where we put our energy, this is the first step in formulating goals.

What do you want to accomplish – think about your current life's direction. How does this fit with the direction you would want to be in 5 years from now? Use this as a basis for the beginning of long term goals. Think of the long term goals as your final destination – your vacation spot – and the short term goals will be the vehicle to get you there.

Use the short term goals as stepping stones to your overall accomplishment – the long term plans. Make the short term goals something that is achievable in a relatively short period of time – so that you can sustain your energy level and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

Sometimes breaking goals down into categories is a way to stimulate your thinking and provide direction for planning. Career, Relationships, Finances, Leisure, Volunteering, and Self Care are just some examples of categories you can use to develop short and long term goals.

Do it. Goals will never be realized without actually putting the work into making it happen. Make sure the goals you set out to achieve fit with your current lifestyle and energy level.

Celebrate your every accomplishment. Long term goals will not be realized in one day. Short term goals will give you an opportunity to feel good about your accomplishments and give you a feeling that you are one step closer to the finish line. Celebrating your accomplishments along the way will give you added energy and incentive.