It’s easy to just wing it and go with the flow, not mind where you’re going, and take the most comfortable route. But this will not do you good in the long run. At times, you might find yourself in the middle of conflicts and complex situations that you don’t know how to get out of. Setting goals will achieve a healthier life plan and wire your brain to be more successful. Although this does not mean that setting goals will automatically bring you success as what life coaches want you to think and believe, these goals will be your guide into making better life decisions.
Experts say that life planning is the standard of reaching what you want to achieve in your life. When you have a goal in mind, you will work harder for it, and that empowers you to fulfil your dreams. But your brain is wired to choose routine and comfort every single time. It is programmed to avoid conflicts, fears, and disappointments. It will choose only things it is comfortable with. Therefore, it is easier for you to build a routine rather than try new things and experiences.
Reaching Goals Makes You Feel Happier
Have you ever wondered why the simple act of finishing your laundry on the day you have said you would makes you happy? Do you ever feel elated after finishing a workout in the gym? Fulfiling these little tasks give you a rush of dopamine. It is the happy hormone that enables you to feel elated over something as simple as finishing your laundry. One way to increase your dopamine levels is to break down your tasks into small goals.
For example, you want to lose weight. You can break down the goal by going to the gym three times a week. Every time you fulfil the task of going to the gym, that raises your dopamine levels. If you plan to write a book, commit to writing 15 minutes each day so that you can finish the goal by doing little tasks every day.
Improving Performance
When you are happier, more satisfied, and more contented with your life, you are bound to perform better at your work. Setting goals for yourself will allow you to focus on the everyday tasks that you need to finish for your job. For example, you need to finish a report for a presentation this afternoon. Instead of stressing out and panicking over the fact that you are not done yet, you can simply refocus your brain into finishing little tasks every hour and finally accomplishing your goal of completing the report and presenting it before your colleagues.
Getting a reward such as monetary compensation will also give you the commitment and desire to finish the goals. This reward-punishment system is an effective approach to fulfilling your goals. But to be able to reach these goals, you need support from your supervisors and managers. Setting your mind on the prize—money or possible promotion—will give you a boost in your dedication to reach your goals.
Gaining Valuable Experiences
You will gain a lot of valuable experiences when you set goals for yourself. You will feel happiness, sadness, disappointment, and failure. You will learn how to deal with all of these feelings because setting goals mean that you are burying yourself for failure and success.
Making a plan for your goals is good for your mental well-being. It gives people a sense of purpose. Instead of going aimlessly through life, people who set goals for themselves have direction.