Why Goal Setting Matters and How to Do It Right

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Society and the working world have created a culture where financial success, career progression, and improved physical and mental well being is highly valued and sought after. These goals, while common, are somewhat broad and unfocused, which can easily lead to burnout. When ambition lacks direction, it turns into apathy. Thus, it is incredibly important that goals are given a direction, and this is where goal setting comes into play and proves extremely beneficial. 

Why goals often fail 

Part of why so many people’s goals fail is because of the vague nature of their aspirations. To say, “In 2026, I want to be richer,” introduces several questions. Richer in what way? It is better and far more productive to think of goals in small, tangible chunks, like “in 2026, I want $40,000 for a house deposit.” Having a concrete, specific number for a goal is far more productive than having an immeasurable goal that would feel easy to give up on the instant you stop making progress towards it.

The language we use surrounding goals also has an impact in how we view them. “Richer” paints a picture of yachts, expensive wine, and first-class flights, which can set up unrealistic expectations. The feeling of disappointment when you realize you aren’t on that yacht or first-class flight can be so overbearing that it will void all motivation you once had, so it’s important you stick to reasonable and realistic goals. It’s okay to aim for the stars every once in a while, but this only works if you are cognizant of where you are now. 

Please, be kind to yourself 

As much as society promotes career success, it also promotes physical success, in the form of beauty and physical appearance. As such, it is a common goal or New Year’s resolution to lose weight, gain weight, become more fit, etc. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with these goals, but they can become harmful when people fail to acknowledge and respect their bodies as they are currently. Usually, with mindsets that involve aesthetics over overall health, an all-or-nothing approach is implemented, which can severely harm a person’s self-esteem. It can also be exhausting, chasing for outcomes that take months and years of consistency and not seeing any progress immediately. 

What’s a healthier mindset to have? 

A way to combat this is to develop behavior-oriented goals. These are essentially objectives focused on changing, improving, or developing observable actions and habits, rather than just final outcomes. So, if you want to become more physically fit, instead of thinking ‘I want to be muscular,’ it’s healthier to think “I’ll get 9 hours of sleep every day, go to the gym 3 times a week, warm up properly before every session,” etc. Behavioral goals help because you control them, they reduce frustration, the habits you form automatically lead to positive outcomes, and it helps keep you motivated.