Motivation & Goal Setting

Accomplishing dreams in life takes both motivation and discipline. Discipline is especially helpful when motivation is waning, which is bound to happen at different times. A way of implementing discipline is to set specific goals and deadlines. By defining both small and large goals, a path to achieving them is developed. By setting deadlines, creative energy is stimulated to accomplish those goals.

Purpose

The purpose of setting goals is to create a defined construction of a larger dream or desire. Vince Panella, author of "The 26-Hour Day: How To Gain at Least Two Hours a Day With Time Control," relates that goals aligned with values will lead to success, direction, and purpose. He adds that the only way to failure is to not set goals, because of the tendency to stay in the "comfort zone" that comes without clear motivation to move forward.

Features

As Motivational Speaker Mike Robbins states in his article, "Is Your Attention on Your Intention?" "Having your goals as specific and measurable just makes them clear and more likely to manifest." He notes that effective goals are specific, measurable, and easily tracked. They also shouldn't be looked at as a competition, creating stress or guilt. Action plans set out in daily, weekly, and monthly increments are extremely helpful in maintaining forward motion.

Research

A study published in Psychological Bulletin in 1981 reviewed the research on goal setting and task performance from 1969-1980. The researchers found that 90 percent of studies during that time period showed "specific and challenging goals led to higher performance than easy goals, 'do your best' goals, or no goals."

Time Frame

Panella recommends setting aside just five minutes a day, five days a week for each goal. These five minutes compound over time to help achieve a range of goals, from learning a new language to becoming proficient in playing an instrument. (see References 1) Even the act of looking at or mentally going over a list of goals for five minutes each morning helps to recommit and achieve focus.

Issues

There can be negative consequences if goals are set too high, too quickly, and without proper precautions. As an article in Forbes relates, the Ford Pinto was produced in the late 1960s under extreme pressure from Ford Executive Lee Iacocca. Due to the rushed production of the car, it failed to be tested accurately for safety, causing "53 deaths, numerous injuries and a string of costly lawsuits."

Personal goal setting can also produce undesirable outcomes if certain standards are not taken into account, such as health and well-being, effects on others, and consequences to the world at large.