What is on your to-do list today? People face an infinite amount of choices about how to use their time each day—often balancing what they need to do with what they want to do. Many people need to go to their jobs, run a few errands, and clean up around the house. Many people want to take a jog, play a video game, watch TV, go out with their friends. Think about tomorrow’s to-do list and the next day’s. What about in a month or a year? Do you know what might be on your plate then? Most people have a general idea of what they would like out of life, but balancing daily needs and wants in light of long-term dreams is difficult. Many people are managing the challenge by reaching out for goal-setting help.
“The thing about goals is that living without them is a lot more fun,
in the short run. It seems to me, though, that
the people who get things done, who lead,
who grow and who make an impact… those people have goals.”
—Seth Godin
Significant research displays the power of setting a goal—when people write down their goals, they often achieve them. And yet, a lot of people struggle. Setting goals is often easier said than done. Seth Godin verbalizes what many people feel intuitively: anything worth pursuing usually means a sacrifice in the short-term in order to achieve long-term success. Achievement has no short-cuts, but many people have found help and support that make the process more manageable. A lot of people are working with a mental health counselor or coach to help them set and accomplish their goals.
Appointments are available for coaching and counseling at Thriveworks Knoxville, and many people have found the help they need to focus upon what is most important in their lives.
Why Set Goals?
Prioritizing what is most important in life may be easier said than done. Countless distractions pop up and try to knock people off their focus. Success, in any area, takes a game-plan. Setting goals may help because they can…
- Keep people’s attention focused on what matters.
- Ignite meaningful action steps.
- Align people’s behavior and their focus.
- Bolster motivation during challenging times and setbacks.
- Prompt self-control.
A Variety of Ambitions
The term, “goal-setting,” may trigger thoughts of people forcing themselves to do tasks no one wants to do: making their bed, eating less sugar, flossing their teeth, and on and on the list could go. There is another way to see goals—they are a way of prioritizing what is truly important to a person both personally and professionally. That means people can make goals about fun. In fact, people can make goals about anything they love, value, and enjoy. For example, people can pursue a variety of ambitions, such as,
- Financial: what financial steps could you take to support the life you want to live?
- Career: Is there a job or career path you want to pursue?
- Pleasurable: What makes you laugh and energizes you? How can those activities become more a part of your routine?
- Familial: What kind of relationships do you want with your children, spouse, siblings, parents, extended family?
- Physical: What kind of health do you want to sustain throughout life?
- Educational: What ideas do you want to explore more?
- Artistic: Is there a musical or artistic skill you want to practice?
- Attitude: Is there a character trait you want to cultivate? Patience? Self-confidence? Empathy? Loyalty?
There is truly no limit to the types of goals that can be set. Among other things, goals should at least be exciting and inspiring. Whether the goal is to take a Hawaiian vacation within a year or to become an executive within five years, each goal should reflect something that people value enough to put effort toward achieving.
Goal Setting Specifics
Along with setting goals that inspire and excite, there are other tips that can help people achieve their goals. In many ways, the details of each goal are personal and should fit within their priorities, talents, and skills. Realistic goals are often challenging but also achievable.
The details may vary from person to person, but the structures of well-formed goals are often the same. Goals are often more powerful if they are:
- Time-bound: Each goal should have a deadline. A timeframe often motivates and gives a point of evaluation.
- Written: Goals that are written can be reviewed regularly. They capture and focus people’s attention.
- Specific: Specific goals can be measured. This allows people to know they achieved the goal and feel the accomplishment and reward.
- Shared: Achievement often requires support—either in the form of tangible help or in the form of encouragement. Share goals with people who can be allies in the achievement.
Counseling for Goal Setting Help at Thriveworks Knoxville, TN
Are you ready to speak to a counselor or a life coach about achieving a goal? Know that Thriveworks Knoxville has appointments available for goal-setting help.
Our office offers weekend and evening appointments. We work with most insurance companies, and many new clients are able to meet with their therapist the day following their first call to Thriveworks Knoxville. If you are ready to achieve a goal, we are ready to help. Let’s get started. Contact Thriveworks Knoxville today.
