The Purpose of a Goal

E. R. Haas, writes that 74% of the population allow their dreams and goals to die because they are not focused. I like to think I'm in the 26% of those who are focused. What about you?

Anyway, Haas' article was a wake-up call for me. I do have goals. I do write them down. I do read them occassionally. But, the sad truth is my life does not reflect focus. I have unfinished projects, great ideas in my head, and brilliant advice for others. What about you?

Have you identified something you can focus on? Something you absolutely must make happen, period? Haas' went on to say that people confuse dreams, goals, and plans. This confusion leads to a mental disconnect, so the goal falls by the wayside.

The purpose of a goal is to help us narrow our focus. A goal gives us something to work towards, it gives us a reason to keep moving forward. Back when I was working on my degree, I created a doable plan to help me accomplish that goal. I remained focused on completing each small tasks (homework, papers, etc.) realizing that each small tasks would eventually add up to one big goal completed. I wanted my degree. It was a consuming passion, and I was determined that I would do whatever I had to -- I had to reach my goal.

Well, now that I'm awake, I'm revisiting my goals, my dreams, and my plans. I believe to be successful (you define it) we must have all three. The trick is to know the difference in the purpose of each, and to integrate all three into our lives.

Until next post, remember ...
"Life with no purpose is no life at all!"