The Art of Setting Goals

With the beginning of a new year come resolutions. Having started with the Babylonians about 4,000 years ago, people have grown accustomed to setting resolutions every year. However, they struggle to stay committed to them. With statistics showing that only 8% of people who set resolutions actually stick to them by the end of the year- they prove to be, ironically , of no use. If you want to achieve something, set goals instead.

Often, the two words are used interchangeably. Albeit, they are quite similar, they are still two distinct entities. Resolutions are vague ideas in the direction one could want to head towards. Whereas goals are more time-specific and detailed. Research shows that most people don’t achieve what they set out to because they are not specific enough. Resolutions lack specificity; hence, most people don’t achieve their resolutions.

Unlike resolutions, goal setting is relatively new in the mainstream world. Brought to attention in the late 60s, Edwin Locke’s Goal-setting theory of motivation popularised the idea. Its affinity took off. And with today’s research showing that 14% of people that set goals are 10x more successful, why wouldn’t it?

Setting goals themselves have several advantages; some of which include gaining a sense of purpose. Naturally, when you have a target to reach, you feel a sense of responsibility and accountability. This sense may also motivate you to reach your target. With motivation comes focus. When focused, motivated and accountable, you do gain a perception of purpose. With purpose comes self-satisfaction and fulfilment which allows people to be successful. Although virtuous, goals have a low percentage of success. This transpires from the lack of knowledge people possess on the art of goal setting. So how can you set goals which have a chance of success?

Locke theorized that to achieve a goal, one must follow some keys: be clear, specific, willing, realistic but challenge yourself. When you have a coherent and detailed plan, you can understand your goal and how to go about it better. This enables you to be realistic about the time it may take you and the goal itself, increasing your chance of being successful exponentially.

Essentially, setting goals is fundamental to a bigger future and a sense of self. If you need direction, focus, accountability, or even motivation, set goals irrespective of the month, the date, or even time. If you need help setting goals, consult Locke’s theory. The many virtues of doing so may not guarantee that you will achieve them, but as Georges St-Pierres once said, ‘’The danger is not to set your goal too high and fail to reach it. It’s to set your goal too low and reach it.’’