What Does It Take To Set And Achieve A Goal?

By Hannah du Plessis

To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: "Leave no stone unturned." Edward Bulwer Lytton

"I have brought myself by long meditation to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfilment." -Benjamin Disraeli

We often set goals for ourselves. But because of ingrained beliefs and learned behaviours, we often don’t achieve those goals. What does it take to set and achieve a goal?

Firstly, you must have a strong reason why. It just won’t work if you just decide to do something, say lose weight, just because you know you should. You need to want it badly. You need to want to get into that suit or swimsuit or fit into that special dress for your brother or sister’s wedding. You start eating healthy after a heart attack because you want to live. 

Secondly, no pain, no gain: You usually have to give something up in order to reach that goal. It is usually either time or money. Sports people spend lots of time training and have to look after their bodies for optimal performance. Business people work late into the night and often suffer from lack of sleep. 

If you don’t have a goal, you just exist. Goals give life meaning. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. That is a feeling of pleasure.

So what is your goal? Why do you need to reach that goal? What do you have to give up in order to be able to achieve it?

You will achieve it.

Be the best you can be.

Books on Setting and Achieving Goals

 Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want -- Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible 

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement 

What Are Your Goals: Powerful Questions to Discover What You Want Out of Life