The Importance of Positive Goal-Setting

The process of setting goals helps you to decide where you want to go in life. By knowing what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your attention and energy. You will also be able to spot the distractions that will lead you astray.

How to set goals

Goal-setting requires a few steps – before you can know what to do right now, you need to know where you’re heading. The first step when setting goals is to contemplate your overall long-term goals – this might be one for your lifetime, or one for 20 years in the future. Setting long-term goals gives you the overall perspective that moulds your decision making. To begin contemplating the important areas in your life, think about setting goals in some of these important areas:
• Career
• Education
• Family
• Physical Health
• Personal Achievements.

Once you have decided upon your lifetime goals, set a medium-term plan (4-6 years) of smaller goals that you need to complete in order to reach your lifetime goals. Then create a one-year plan of progressively smaller goals that you should reach to achieve your medium-term plan.

How can a psychologist help with positive goal-setting?

Our psychologists can help you to explore your current life situation and your desired one, and help you to plan a pathway between them. Our psychologists can also help you with problem-solving, motivation, and building resilience to help cope with setbacks as you move towards your goals.