Why goal setting is important and three simple steps to check in on your goals.

Introduction

I know, I know: setting goals is a buzzword. But it's true — goal-setting can help you feel in control of your life and more likely to achieve your dreams. The problem is that many people set goals without a clear vision of what they want, how they will achieve it, or why they should put any effort into it. So in this article, we're going to talk about why setting goals is important and then give you three simple steps for checking in on those goals every day so you can stay motivated!

Why is goal-setting important?

Goal-setting is important because it helps you achieve your goals.

• Setting goals can help you stay motivated and on track. When you have a clear idea of what you're working towards, it's easier to stay on task and push yourself when necessary.
• Setting goals can help prioritize your life. Nothing is important if everything is important—and that's not good! When we set priorities, we can focus our energy on the most beneficial uses of our time and energy so that the things that matter most get done first. For example, My top priority is my family, so even when I'm working late at my job or volunteering for an organization like Girls Who Code (which I love!), I make sure there's still plenty of time left for them before bedtime every night.*

Take some time to reflect.

We all know that reflecting on our progress is important, but it's also one of the most challenging parts of goal setting. The good news is that you don't have to leave your house or do anything too fancy to reflect on where you are. You can do this in a journal, with a friend over coffee and cake, or simply by looking back at your goals and seeing how far you've come toward achieving them.

It's ok to adjust your goals!

You might realize that you need to gain the skills or knowledge to achieve a goal. Or you aren't interested in that particular goal anymore. Or, as time passes, something else seems more important to pursue. These are all valid reasons for changing your goals—so don't beat yourself up! It's also possible that you made a mistake when setting your original goals, which aren't realistic anymore.

The most important point here is: if you decide to change your goals, take responsibility for making the right decision for YOU at this time (and don't blame anyone else).

Checking in on your goals and taking the time to reflect can help you feel more in control of your progress toward achieving your goals.

Checking in on your goals and taking the time to reflect can help you feel more in control of your progress toward achieving your goals. By checking in regularly, it's possible to catch any changes or shifts that may have happened since your last check-in, which allows you to fine-tune your goals accordingly.

This step is essential for optimal goal setting because it helps ensure you stay on track and work towards what matters most. Remember, it's all about creating a plan that works for YOU, so make sure this part is something YOU enjoy doing!

Three simple steps to check in on your goals

Step 1: Make a list of your goals and set a date to check-in.

With this step, you are writing down everything you would like to accomplish or start in the next year. Some examples are: going back to school, traveling more, taking on more responsibilities at work, etc. These can be things that will make you happy and bring value into your life by shaping who you are as a person.

Once you have written your goals down, pick one goal and set up a time frame for completing it (i.e., three months). For example, I will save money for traveling by spending less money on clothes every month until I have enough cash saved up for my trip next summer!

Step 2: Congratulate yourself on everything accomplished so far!

Every time we achieve something, we feel good about ourselves! So why not celebrate all of the accomplishments along the way? Donating to a charity or buying something nice for yourself when reaching certain milestones on your journey toward achieving big goals might help keep you motivated throughout this process. Celebrating small wins can serve as motivation fuel when facing obstacles along the way; however, take your time with this step because, ultimately, our focus should remain on achieving our long-term goals!

Step 3: Make a plan to ensure you are on track with your goal. This can mean identifying obstacles that might get in the way of accomplishing your goals and taking steps to eliminate them from your day-to-day life. For example, if you have trouble saving money for travel, try to cut unnecessary expenses such as eating out at restaurants or purchasing new clothes every month.

Conclusion

We're all about goal-setting here at Happy Lab. It's a good practice to check in with yourself and ensure you are getting what you want out of life! If anything, at least you know that whatever happens, you tried your best and did what was right for yourself.