G is for Goals

We hear a lot about goals. They should have deadlines. They should be worded as positives. The list goes on and on.  Why are goals so important?

I like to think of goals as long-range signposts. It is easy to get caught up in day-to-day nonsense and frustrations. Between school demands, family needs and work responsibilities, it’s hard to remember why we put ourselves through the wringer that is college. That’s where the goals come in.  If you know from the start that you enrolled into college to get that degree that will let you do the things you love and get the results you desire, it will be a lot easier for you to get through the temporary pains of sleepless nights studying and writing up assignments.  Here are a few points for you to keep in mind:

* Even if you have already started school, it’s not too late to get clear on your goals. As a matter of fact, I like to revisit my goals to see if they are still what I truly want.  As we learn, grow and get older, it is normal for our priorities to change.

* Remember the difference between goals and values. Goals are things we achieve. Values are our core beliefs that guide us. If my values include the importance of service to others, my goals can include getting a job that allows me to help the under-privileged, for example.

* Take your time in working out exactly what you want, and why. While it is true that your list of goals will be a living document, and subject to change, you still want to be sure that you accurately and clearly explain what you want to do (goals) and why (values).

* The values component is important! As we go through life, different opportunities and challenges will present themselves. If you are clear on why you want to achieve your goals,  you will be better able to take advantage of new conditions without compromising what is important to you.

* Most importantly, your goals should be what YOU want, not your family, friends, teachers, or anyone else. As important as these people are to you, they cannot live your life. Only you can, so do the things that make you happy. They may not be thrilled in the moment, but you have to life your own life.

We’ll get back to this in future posts, but in the meantime, consider the words of Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living for a human being.” So, look inside yourself, if you want to know why and how.