THE LADDER APPROACH TO GOAL SETTING

We pretty much all know that setting goals is helpful in getting what you want out of life...but how to set them is yet another subject our educators think needs not be taught to us.

Here are some things you might want to think of when setting your goals:

1.  If your goal is to obtain certain tangible things or possessions...e.g, a home, a car, a painting...remember that there is an endless, ever-growing number of them and it may be that attaining the ones you now seek may not bring you the satisfaction and pleasure you now think they will, but simply be replaced by new desires.

2.  If your goal has as a key element the attaining of the recognition and the admiration of others, remember that such a goal make you dependent on others...thus putting the goal outside your control.

3.  If your goal places you in competition with others, it is important to remember that not achieving it is more likely than achieving it, for all competitors.  Being overtaken in the final yards of the Olympic marathon is not a reason for tears.  Being the second fastest runner in the world is not a failure.

4.  We have been told that long-term goals are bigger and better than short term goals.  I am not certain of that.  It is difficult to know exactly what your desires will be in the distant future, and your presently-perceived goals, even if attained, may not satisfy those desires.  Further, it is difficult to maintain the pursuit of a goal when the achievement of it is distant in the future.
   
5.  Remember that all human activity has both a mental and a physical component to it.  So, in choosing what it is that will please you to achieve (the mental component), be sure that you are willing to do what needs to be done to achieve it (the physical component).

6.  I suggest a Ladder Approach in goal-setting.  The ultimate goal may be the top step of the ladder, but there are almost always interim goals and steps leading to it.  The football coach wants his team to win the game, to do which they need to score points, to do which they need first downs, to do which they need possession of the ball.  Those are the steps on the coach's ladder. 

You might want to be Miss America.  The steps on your ladder might be being named Miss Town of the Year, winning the State Beauty pageant, etc.  Those are shorter term goals that ought be the focus of your attention...that ought bring you satisfaction and pride and encouragement in your quest for your top goal.

Writing this post is a step on my ladder.