While it may appear to be simplistic; this habit is often taken for granted. A staggering majority of adults do not set goals for themselves; despite studies indicating clearly that intentional Goal-Setting produces statistically better odds of accomplishing those goals. It may seem obvious, but even determining a goal can be half the work.
set
/set/
verb
gerund or present participle: setting
1. to put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position.
goal
/ɡōl/
noun
1. the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
What’s Goal Setting?
The act of setting a goal may seem simplistic and easy, but determining what the right goal is for your desired outcome is anything but simple. Determining an appropriate goal involves asking what it is that you truly desire, and what outcome would be worth sacrificing for. Often times we think we know what we want; but “be careful what you wish for” is a famous saying for a reason. Taking the time and energy to properly deduce what the best goal is for your given position is critical in ensuring a future that you will be happy with. Things like Meditation, Journaling, Verbal Communication, and Exercise are all powerful tools you can use to determine your goals. During our Science of Habits event, we dive deep into the process of utilizing positive behaviors to ultimately set, and achieve goals consistently.
How’s Goal Setting useful?
Simply defining and setting a clear goal improves the likelihood of achieving that goal by more than 40%. More than 80% of people do not have any set goals whatsoever, and only 3% of people write down their goals. The 3% of people who write down their goals are 10 times more likely to accomplish them than their peers. Setting “SMART Goals” is a proven and effective method of increasing your ability to achieve what you set out to achieve. Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound are goals that have extremely high rates of success.
Says who?
Columbia, and Yale all have extensive works on the benefits of Verbal Communication. You can read a couple here, and here! Check out this PDF we put together of 100 more university studies that pertain to the habits in our Science of Habits event, including 20 Ivy League entries. Here’s the Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Dr. Ayelet Fishbach to help explain the incredible ways the habit of Goal Setting can be positively life changing:
How can students make it a habit?
Any person can begin the practice of Goal Setting by first asking themselves what they truly want. Other positive habits like Exercise, Meditation, and Verbal Communication can be tremendously helpful in clearing mental fog, and clarifying your true desire. Goals do not need to be grandiose, they can be as small and simple as waking up an hour earlier. When you have determined a goal that you are sure you really want to achieve; be sure to write it down. Practice writing down your goals; big and small each day.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - Eleanor Roosevelt