Too busy to set goals? You may want to make time.

Posted on: August 27, 2019, by :
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Most of us go through our days quickly, filled with appointments and activities with little time for reflection.

Life is hectic. We are busy. Sometimes we are over-committed, running behind and doing our best to keep up with the flurry of activity we’ve permitted into our lives. Sound familiar?

What happens when you maintain such a pace only to have ten or twenty years go by and then something causes you to pause (think health scare, job change or family need) and you realize you are not fulfilled? Wow. No one wants to deal with such a situation. Or do they? Such a pause can result in your getting out of the flurry of activity that’s been your days for so long and taking the time to really reflect about your life and career. Such a time can be amazing, wonderful and life-changing.

Periodically scheduling time to reflect and update your goals can ensure you are heading in the direction of realizing your dreams.

Reflect and Update Your Goals

Yes, time for reflection and goal work should be scheduled regularly. Many goal setting experts even suggest reviewing your larger goals daily. I recommend reviewing your life and career goals bi-annually at a minimum.

Life and career goals may include any of the following:

  • Time with family
  • Time with friends
  • Community involvement
  • Religious or spiritual work
  • Charity work
  • Hobbies
  • Vacations/downtime
  • Lifelong learning
  • Financial
  • Health and wellness
  • Self-discovery
  • Professional development
  • Professional relationships
  • Reputation management

Goal Setting is Powerful

Why wait until a life or other event to begin a practice of reviewing and updating your goals? Goal setting can be powerful. It can improve your focus and motivate you to achieve more than without clearly defined goals.

Goal setting can also help you understand and commit to the steps needed to achieve your goals.

Use the downloadable goal setting template as you reflect and set goals. Customize the template to meet your needs and add time to your calendar for reviewing and updating your goals in the months ahead. And good luck! I hope that proactively setting goals helps you on your path to achieving your dreams.