The Power of Written Goals
Why Written Goals?
Almost every success and leadership authority talks about the power of written business and personal goals. But why? Aside from the fact that written goals help identify potentially meaningful achievements, why are written goals so helpful?
Part of the answer lies in the physical act of writing. Writing crystallizes thought, which motivates action. And, a written goals program is also a basis for measuring progress. Definite plans, after all, produce definite results. Indefinite plans, in contrast, typically produce little or no results!
Time Savings
Written goals save time because you always know what to do next.
Motivation
Each time you review a written goal, you become more excited about working toward the objective.
Conflict Reduction
Written goals help identify conflicts between various priorities, heading off energy-draining confrontation and crisis. Conflict and frustration are eliminated through the creation of a written plan for achievement.
Sequential Action Steps
Written goals form a basis for action through the inclusion of a sequential plan of action—a step-by-step approach to the achievement of the objective. These action steps move you from daydream to the reality of solid accomplishments. Without written plans, there is no springboard to action, and thus, little in the way of success or increased productivity.
Visualization
Written goals stimulate visualization. Definite plans help your mind’s eye visualize future results clearly and easily.
Monitary & Other Value of Goal Setting
Look at these statistics about the general population to understand the financial value of written goals. Of course, because these stats only address the financial value of goal setting it does not does not address the value of more confidence, higher self-esteem and less stress which are all priceless!
- 3% are wealthy due to having written, specific goals
- 10% are financially independent due to having clear goals
- 60% are living from paycheck to paycheck because they have few goals
- 27% are in need of support because they have no goals
“When you set goals for yourself, they work in two ways; you work on them and they work on you. . . Once you have set a goal, believe firmly and unequivocally that you will reach it. The greater your belief, the more rapid your progress will be.”
