Goal Setting - Learning to Set Goals

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Goal Setting

By: David Korn

We all try to set goals, but how many times do we fall short of achieving them? What we need to do is set realistic goals. Goals can span into short term or long term, categorical, and lifetime. An important influence on achieving our goals is motivation.

Setting realistic goals is important for minimizing stress. The goals you set should be within your limits. Knowing what skills you have and your strengths and weaknesses can be useful. Try not to always set high expectations of yourself, as that may cause undue pressure. Until you get accustomed to the smaller goals, you can then raise the bar to higher ones. For example, if you set a goal to do two term papers in one week, but you know that you can only do one, then keep it at one.

Keeping within the bounds of control is important. Set goals that you know you can control and not be so dependant on external forces. For instance, many times at work we rely on others for certain tasks. You can minimize this reliance by taking a proactive approach and doing the necessary tasks on your own. Waiting for the other to fully complete their part may cause unnecessary stress. It is best to understand that things arise and many are unable to complete tasks in its entirety without help.

There are many areas in your life where you can set goals. This includes personal, financial, social, career, health, spiritual, and much more. It is a good idea to set at least a few goals in each area. There is always something for us to work on in our lives. Taking the steps to improve areas in our life can be very beneficial and others are bound to follow.