Advantages of written goals

Here are the major advantages of written goals:

1. They force us to choose. Too often, we want too many
things and scatter our time and attention among all of them.
Selecting a small number of specific goals helps clarify
your priorities.

2. They focus our efforts. By defining exactly what you are
going to achieve and writing it down, vague desires or
wishes become concrete action plans.

3. Goals attract allies. When people know where you are
going, it's easier for them to help you get there. There is
great synergy, power and enthusiasm in a shared goal.

Most people, most of the time, will benefit from carefully
defining their goals, writing them down, developing an
action plan, and following through.

There are, however, risks to setting goals and for some
people, setting goals can be a dangerous thing. Here are the
major weaknesses of written goals:

1. By focusing our attention on the future, goals can rob
us of the present. Some people get so caught up in their
vision, that they forget to "smell the roses" each day. John
Lennon observed that "life is what happens while you are
making other plans." Don't let your dreams get in the way of
celebrating the present. Live each day and be grateful.

2. Goals can prevent us from seeing even bigger or more
vital opportunities. Like blinders on a horse, we can become
fixated on our goals and miss opportunities all around us.
Some people are so determined, so ambitious and so
disciplined that they forget to consider the alternatives.

3. Goals can become excuses. Some people set exciting
goals, then use their future achievements as an excuse to
avoid doing what they can and should do today. I've seen
teenagers so caught up the dream of becoming a "rock star"
that they forget to study. Some adults fall into a similar
trap.

Should you have written goals? Almost certainly. Carefully
selected, well-defined goals are the path to achievement,
fulfillment and satisfaction. But some areas of life should
not be "goal oriented." When it comes to personal integrity,
or time with loved ones, or celebrating the miracles of your
life, these are not "goals," they are simply choices. Do
them NOW, not tomorrow.