Identifying Goals
Many people have trouble identifying their goals because they think too big too much of the time. Goals can be ordinary; grand destinations are usually reached by completing a series of short journeys that contribute to an overall sense of purpose.
There are many ways to identify goals. Asking yourself questions is one of them. The questions below can help you pinpoint goals if you consider the first answer that comes to mind, even if it seems small or mundane. If you are a person who usually thinks big but rarely reaches goals, maybe it is time to think small.
Questions for pinpointing goals
- Self / Character
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover your character or personality has blossomed. What quality has blossomed?
- Physical Health
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover your physical health has improved. In what way is it better?
- Mental / Emotional Health
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover you are more at peace than usual. What have you let go of?
- Work or Career
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover your work life has improved. What has changed?
- Money
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover you feel more financially secure. What have you done differently?
- People
- You wake up tomorrow morning and discover your relationships are better. What is it that makes them better?
- Happiness or Satisfaction
- You wake up tomorrow and discover you feel happier, or are more satisfied. What has improved your quality of life?
Once you have a goal (or goals), think about the smallest step you can take to move toward it. Why small? Very small steps do not trigger our anxiety so we can accomplish them without fear-paralysis. Sometimes an opportunity to take big leaps presents itself, but destinations are more likely to be reached one incremental step at a time.
