So you have goals. Maybe you write them down or just begin working on them. You see results, or you don’t. Some goals are simple to state such as “I’m going to lose 10 pounds.” Some goals are more complex like “I will become happier this year.” When we set goals, there is a method to making them goals of the heart, goals that really matter to us. We can spend our whole lives on goals that don’t really bring us joy, don’t really matter to our overall wellbeing.
Some people set goals and work on them to feel like achievers. Some people achieve all their goals yet don’t feel any better. Some people dread the goal setting process. Life is about living. Living a life worth living is achieved by spending time on the things that really matter to us. What are your goals? Do they include all areas of your life? Are you focused on just one area at a time? When we don’t look at our overall picture or take an inventory of where we are currently at in our life, we sometimes choose goals that actually keep us stuck. How can a goal keep someone stuck? What we focus on expands, so let’s use, for example, the goal of losing 10 pounds. You set it, work on it and achieve it. And then you get on the scale and realize the weight is back. You start the process all over again. However, what if you found what really makes you happy and focus on the goal of bringing more joy and happiness into your life instead of focusing on your weight? There is so much life to live, and when you begin to live it some goals just take care of themselves. You don’t need to focus on losing weight, because you are fulfilled and don’t have to self medicate with food. Think about it. It is really a paradox. Goal setting can take away from joy, happiness and self-fulfillment. When you set goals, ask yourself, what really matters in my life? Start with the important parts. Spend more time on what can enrich your life.
For help in setting life goals in an effective way, call Kimberly Barclay, Life and Career Coach at 661-964-9203.