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How to Set Goals That Matter
If you're tired of chasing goals that don't resonate with you, keep reading to learn how to set meaningful ones
Sol TV
May 14, 2024
Sometimes, it can feel like there’s an endless list of things we’re supposed to do to lead meaningful lives: Pick up cool hobbies, eat organic foods, nail your early morning wake-up routine, and—possibly the toughest—figure out your big purpose on Earth.
The pressure is real. Whether it’s coming from your job, your family, or even a dating app profile questionnaire, it feels like everyone expects you to have a grand plan. And then there’s social media, where influencers tell you to quit your day job and just do what you love—as if bills are optional!
Even when you can set goals through all the noise, they seem to end up on the back burner. Life gets busy, but are you losing sight of what’s important?
The Problem with Goal-Setting
We’ve all been there: You start pumped about a new goal—maybe it’s eating better, hitting the gym more, or cutting back on spending. Or perhaps it’s about picking up a new skill, quitting smoking, or carving out more time for reading or family.
You get off to a good start, but the initial buzz wears off as days turn into weeks. Eating salads every day starts feeling like a chore, the excitement of the gym wears thin, or sticking to a budget feels too restrictive. Once bright and compelling, your goals begin to fade into the background.
Goal-setting can be a powerful tool, but only if you set goals that align with your desires. Too often, we set goals based on what we think we should want rather than what we truly want. We're driven by societal pressure, the expectations of others, and our fears and doubts.
From "I Have to" to "I Want to"
Goals can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. The key is to make them your own—give them your unique flavor and capability. When they align with your values and passions, your mindset will shift from "I have to do this" to "I want to do this." Everything will feel more like a calling rather than a chore.
When you’re struggling, here are some other tips to help make goal-getting feel more doable:
Be Honest
Ask yourself, “Do I really want this, or am I just chasing it because I think I should?” Focus on what excites you—maybe starting a side hustle or learning a new language. Whatever it is, make sure you're truly passionate about it and that it’s not just something you feel obligated to do.
Embrace Sacrifice
Understand that every goal comes with trade-offs. What do you need to change to get there? Do you need to give something up? Learn something new? Develop an existing skill? Spend time or money to make it all happen. If you’re unwilling to do what it takes, find a goal that aligns better with your values. Achieving your dreams often requires sacrifice, so be prepared to make tough choices and let go of things that no longer serve you.
Reframe Procrastination
Instead of beating yourself up over not taking action, see it as a signal. If you’re procrastinating, maybe your goal isn’t compelling enough. Use that as an opportunity to reflect and adjust your approach. What's missing? Is there a way to make the goal more exciting, aligned with your values, or more meaningful to you?
Start Small
Break down your goals into actionable steps. Small wins build momentum and momentum fuels progress. It's easy to get overwhelmed by big, lofty goals, but taking it one step at a time will keep the fire going and prevent burnout.
Find Your “Why”
Dive deep into why you want to pursue a goal. A strong “why” can push you through obstacles and keep you on track when the initial excitement fades. Connecting your goals to your core values and deeper purpose will make them feel more meaningful and intrinsic than something you "should" do.
Prioritizing for Success
Opportunities come your way every day, but if you’re unfocused, unorganized, or making arbitrary decisions, you risk missing out on them. Setting clear priorities is an indispensable tool for achieving your dreams.
Opportunities can be divided into three categories: “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” You’ll recognize which is which only if you’ve set clear boundaries and a well-defined list of exceptions. Undefined criteria can lead to confusion and inaction.
Being intentional with your choices will put you in the driver's seat. With clear criteria, you'll be able to focus more on priority areas and avoid wasting time on unimportant events. Knowing where to invest your energy is crucial for achieving your goals.
Are you ready to take control of your dreams and chart your path?
Ditch generic goals and unleash the power of ones that spark a fire within you. It’s time to create a life where your priorities, values, and deepest desires take center stage.
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We love you,
Mona & The Sol TV Team ❤️
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