In one’s life, he or she often asks the golden question, what is my life’s purpose?
If you have ever asked yourself that question and did not have an answer, do not be surprised. The greatest philosophers who had ever lived succeeded only in making this question more profound. Why? Because the answer lies not in simply knowing what’s your life’s purpose, but in discovering your life’s goal. The latter of the two is only possible if you have already gone through the process of goal setting.
Soul-searching is actually personal goal-setting in its infancy. A recurring problem with soul searching is for many people, they never grow beyond soul searching. This happens when a person engaged in soul-searching dismisses the process as nothing more than sentimental. Without realizing it, the person stunted their growth from soul searching to actionable goal planning which with some intentional self-reflection added is the key to discovering one’s purpose in life. The next step is to commit to driving one’s own life using your newly discovered purpose as your fuel.
If not, you will find yourself trapped in “I wish I could have” land. So, start planning.
Personal goal setting is a powerful tool for planning a course to a meaningful and fulfilling life. In of itself, the process is powerful enough to give rise to thoughts that your life’s meaning or purpose had been found. But not so fast. That euphoric feeling is merely your brain’s response to realizing that you’re on the right track.
For some, this process can be motivating. Once you have made goal planning a habit, you will realize that your past challenges are barely challenges at all. As you continue planning and working towards goal attainment, your motivation will propel through life’s blockers which then you will begin to attain goals and stir up passionate and clear purpose. This is where your brain begins to experience euphoric overdrive and often physical, cognitive, and emotional transformation begins.
Personal goal setting: what should be set?
Since there is more to life than the four letters it takes to spell it, personal goal setting involves a review of all aspects of life, with each having a corresponding goal. Before the process of setting up goals, you must have one general goal that encompasses all the other goals in mind. In fact, the other and often smaller goals should work in service of the larger goal.
1. Career – What aspect of your career do you think needs improvement?
· Or perhaps, is it time for a new career?
2. Outlook or attitude –Is there a part of you, particularly how you perceive things, that needs to be changed?
3. Financial – Do you have a clear projection as to how much you should be earning?
· This is closely related to career, at times, it may be prudent to review and develop a set of goals serving career and finances.
4. Potential development – Maybe some of your talents and skills need improving. Life should be about discovering your potential and developing it. Trying new things within a time frame is a great goal.
5. Academic – Perhaps you’re no longer mentally stimulated by your current circumstance. Maybe your education goals expired many years ago. Maybe it’s time to go back to school for another degree or engage in any thought-provoking activities.
6. Family – What is your idea of a family?
· Getting married, having and raising children? When? How?
7. Social involvement – Do you want to help achieve something that would make the world a better place? Self-exploration and truth may awaken your inner animal protection professional, environmental advocate, or human rights activist, nonetheless, your answer is deep within.
This list represents some aspects of personal goal setting and a life of purpose. Feel free to comment and add your experiences if you like. Remember, personal goal setting is what its name is, it is personal. So, one person’s experience will likely differ from another’s
