Setting Goals | Start with Why

Before setting goals you need to know the
'why' behind the goal.

Why are you setting the goal?

In a previous blog post, I outlined that to change your life, you first have to identify what you need to change. In case you missed this post and would also like to download the FREE “Life Review Deep Dive” exercise to help you get clarity, you can revisit the post and exercise here:

https://www.itopiacoaching.com/mindset-coaching-blog/change

Once you have identified what you need to change, there is still one more step you need to take before actually setting goals. And that is reviewing what your motivation for the goal(s) are. Understanding the motivation behind the goal will help you to determine if the goal that you are setting is for right reasons – i.e. are you setting the goal because you want to or is it because you are seeking approval?
 
You may be asking yourself who would set goals for approval? 
 
Many people set goals for approval without being consciously aware of their desire for approval.
 
Refer to the below examples:

• Wanting to lose a dress size to show others your weight loss transformation at a wedding or special event you are attending.
• Studying for a degree because it’s what our parents want/suggest
• Buying a car/home, we can’t afford to impress others.
• Climbing the corporate ladder to impress others
• Applying for a job promotion to impress others.
• Competing in a sports event for approval
• Reading a difficult, well know book to appear knowledgeable

 
These are just a few examples of doing things and setting goals for the approval of others, rather than setting the goals for our own desires.
 
Therefore, before setting your goals, be sure to take some time and complete the attached pre-goal setting exercise to make sure you are clear on your motivations for the goal.

itopia_coaching_pre-goal_setting_exercise.pdf
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