Achieving greatness - the importance of goals
As I sat down to write this blog on goals and life achievements, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. It hasn't always been easy, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way. But through it all, I've learned that setting goals and working towards them is not just about the end result, but about the growth and fulfilment that comes from the journey itself.
When I first started setting goals for myself, I'll admit that I was a bit sceptical. I didn't see the point in putting all this effort into something that may or may not come to fruition. I remember setting New Years resolutions with the best intentions, but within a couple of weeks they’d fallen by the wayside. By the time the end of January came, or my birthday or any other trigger that showed me more time had passed, it made me realise that I still had ‘nothing’ to show for it; I was no closer to my dreams. So, I started to think about how I’d get myself out of this rut; how could I start achieving and getting the most out of my life. Why am I not getting anywhere?
It was then I realised that it was about more than just achieving a specific outcome. It was about pushing myself to become the best version of me, to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. Also, I needed to find a way to keep myself on track, not just to make sure that I am living and breathing the steps I need to follow to achieve my goals, but also more simply to remember what they are! Yes, I want to be healthy and fit, I feel that in my core and can’t forget that. But, what is my specific goal, how do I know when I have reached it? Is it when I have lost 10kgs or 2st in 12 months?
The first step in identifying and achieving goals is to truly know yourself. What are your passions, your strengths, your weaknesses? What do you want to achieve in your life, and why is it important to you? By taking the time to reflect on these questions, you can begin to set goals that are not only attainable, but also aligned with your values and aspirations.
Once you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, it's time to break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps. This is where the real work begins. It's important to be specific and realistic in your goal-setting, and to create a plan that outlines how you will achieve each step along the way.
Of course, achieving your goals will not always be smooth sailing. There will be obstacles and setbacks along the way. But it's important to remember that these challenges are an integral part of the process. They are what make the journey worthwhile, and what ultimately lead to growth and personal development.
As I look back on my own journey of goal-setting and achievement, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I've learned so much about myself, my capabilities, and my resilience. And I am excited to see where this journey will take me next. I may not have achieved many of my goals, yet, but the journey has made me who I am today. The journey has also seen me achieve many, many smaller goals, which are the steps to reaching my larger, long-term goals. My journey has also seen my goals change, as I realise that my priorities change and so, in order to stay on track, my goals need to shift. But that’s ok. That’s ok, because when I reach certain milestones in my goals, I know that I am living my life in a positive way and I am making the difference I want to be making on my journey.
So to all of you out there who may be hesitant to embark on your own journey of goal-setting, I encourage you to take that first step. Set goals that excite and inspire you, and don't be afraid to dream big. The road may be long and challenging, but I can promise you that the reward at the end will be more than worth it. Embrace the process, stay focused, and never lose sight of your ultimate goal. You've got this!
