Goal Setting and Motivation

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Goal Setting and Motivation: The Keys to Evolving Effectively

In recent years, it's not just the world that’s changing, we are too. Humans evolve and adapt. In today’s world, technology takes up a huge space, and few can live without it. Being able to set clear goals and maintain discipline, despite technological distractions, has become essential for personal and professional growth.

1 - Why Should We Set Goals ?

We don’t talk enough about the power of goals. Without clear, written goals, we procrastinate. We push everything to tomorrow. But that system doesn’t work. A specific example comes to mind when we talk about goal setting: David Goggins. He’s a former Navy SEAL who faced many hardships, especially during childhood. Despite his turbulent upbringing, he wanted to become a Navy SEAL, which required meeting strict criteria. To reach them, he set goals every night, writing them on a piece of paper and sticking it to his mirror, what he called “the accountability mirror.”

This method helps you remember what needs to be done, clarify priorities, and avoid distractions. We’ve all had days where we did nothing and stayed in bed, feeling disgusted with ourselves. The responsibilities Goggins talks about in his book include things like hanging laundry, reading for 30 minutes, and more. It also helps measure progress and adjust efforts. The more tasks you cross off your list, the more satisfied you’ll feel about your day. This boosts motivation by visualizing concrete results. Finally, it creates a momentum for change, doing things you wouldn’t have done otherwise, like reading or tidying up to clear your mind.

2 - What Makes a Good Goal ?

The SMART acronym was created by George T. Doran to help define goals clearly, making them more effective and results-driven. It’s widely used in professional fields like marketing, communication, and Human Resources for example. These fields rely on SMART goals because clarity is key to achieving tangible outcomes. Anyone can use this method, regardless of their goals.

What does SMART stand for?

Criteria : 

• Specific : Your goal must be clear and precise. This helps you achieve it and measure results. Example: “Run 5 kilometers” instead of “Do some exercise.”

• Measurable : You should be able to track progress. It might be physical or emotional, like feeling mentally lighter.

• Achievable : Your goal must be attainable. If it’s too hard, you’ll get discouraged. Example: Running twice a week is achievable. Running daily for a month is possible, but very tough.

• Realistic : Closely tied to being achievable. A realistic goal is easier to reach and keeps you motivated. Example: Running twice a week is realistic and can lead to increasing frequency later.

• Time-bound : Your goal should have a time frame to avoid procrastination. Example: Run every Tuesday and Friday.

For personal growth, SMART is a great starting point to structure your ambitions and goals.

3 - Motivation: The Engine of Action

Motivation is what drives you to act. There are two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from pleasure or interest, personal satisfaction. Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards like money, status, or recognition.

But here’s something crucial: motivation isn’t linear. It has highs and many lows. It’s not motivation that makes you progress, it’s discipline. Motivation gets you started; discipline keeps you going. Motivation won’t give you the strength to push through tough days, but discipline, reminding you why you started, will carry you through even when it hurts.

4 - Strategies to Stay Motivated

As mentioned earlier, motivation isn’t the core of achievement, but it’s essential to get started. Even though discipline takes over after a few weeks, maintaining motivation is still important.

How to maintain motivation :

• A ) Break Down Your Goals Don’t try to do everything at once. Be patient. Breaking your goal into steps helps you avoid burnout and stay enthusiastic.

• B ) Plan Your Actions Your goals shouldn’t conflict with other tasks. Integrate goal-related actions into your daily routine. Plan your day in advance to know when to tackle each step.

• C ) Visualize Success In the early weeks, imagine your future self, how you’ll look, feel, and evolve. This helps you stay focused on your “why.”

• D ) Keep a Progress Journal Optional, but helpful for some. A journal lets you track progress, express fears, motivations, and emotions. It can become a personal space that improves your mental health without needing to talk.

5 - Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some obstacles can slow your progress:

• Mistake 1: Wanting to Change Everything Too Fast A common error in personal development, especially in sports or other areas. Rushing leads to burnout. Better to take small, consistent steps than one big leap you can’t repeat.

• Mistake 2: Comparing Yourself to Others Easier said than done, but constant comparison won’t help you grow. Focus on your own evolution. If you’re working out, take before-and-after photos to compare with yourself. Your fight is with your past self,not others.

• Mistake 3: Ignoring Doubt Doubt is part of the process. It shapes you, whether you like it or not. Doubt creeps in when you’ve already made progress. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it, if it’ll work, or if you’ve wasted time. That’s when you need to work twice as hard, it means you’re on the right path.

Conclusion: The Art of Setting Sustainable Goals

Setting goals and staying motivated isn’t easy. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s a continuous process that requires time, discipline, and flexibility. By adopting a structured and compassionate approach, you give yourself the tools to turn aspirations into real achievements.

Your personal growth doesn’t depend on perfection, but on perseverance and the passion you invest. Start small, stay committed, and celebrate every step toward the version of yourself you want to become.