At least once in your life, I know that someone asked you what is your goal in life. You probably answered what you wanted to be, in time. A goal is somewhat associated with the word "dream" and probably thought that it's just the same, right? Let me tell you, it isn't.
Dreams are mere imagination and it can go on forever as it doesn't have an endpoint because no one won't stop you from dreaming as it is free. When you asked people if they wanted to be billionaires, I bet many people would raised their hands but some would never consider to do something to make it in reality. You wouldn't acquire money in just a blink of an eye, it won't happen in just a snap of your fingers unless of course if you were asleep, again because it was a dream. They won't produce results because there was no action taken although the good thing about dream is that it can inspire and motivates you. Whereas, Goals requires action, it is not enough that you have a big dream, you must set goals, take actions and make it to reality. To succeed with your goal, you must sacrifice some things in able to acquire it, unlike the dream which is free, be it money, time, and effort. Setting or acting on a goal has a cost and is riskier but at the same time, it entails a higher return when you achieved it, it gives a result. It is not a dream anymore, you do something to make it into reality, the best partner that you needed is hardwork and passion, it would be very hard but if you put your heart into it and through hardwork and passion, you can do everything you desire thus it stretches you to be more knowledgeable and discover your skills and abilities that you can use in achieving more goals in life.
Now, that we have differentiate dream from goal. May we dream but we shouldn't settle to what it gives, we should aim for more and that includes holistic stability and can only have those if we reached the goal we set to yourself. Dreams gives you guidance and help you to point out what you wanted your life to look like however this alone won't give you the life you wanted.
In able to completely got a hold of your goal, you would meet hindrances that would make you want to give up. Yourself is your biggest enemy that you would encounter, it is your negative thought that holds you back, the fear of being rejected so many times, and even doubting yourself because you feel like you were being left behind. So what, if you only have yourself, unmotivating family, relative and friends. Remember, If people are doubting how far you can go, just go so far that you can't hear them anymore.
I've been pointing out, that we should set our goals however, how should we set it? It is not enough that you are smart, you must be SMARTER.
SPECIFIC
Start with what you wanted to be your goal, it must be determinable because you can't set a goal without knowing what you are aiming for. You can't create a plan without visualizing what outcome would you create. Your goal should be detailed and direct. You may consider answering the 5Ws (Who, What, Why, Where and Which). Who is involved, what goal you wanted to achieve, why it is important to accomplish it, where would I achieve it, and which resources would be useful.
MEASURABLE
Is your goal measurable? How will you know that you are progressing? With your goal being measurable you can define how much you are progressing which uses one of the WH questions, How. This question helps to assess the progress and helps you to stay focus. How many steps do I need to take to achieve it, how much it will it cost me, how will I know if it is being accomplished. Make sure your goal is trackable.
ATTAINABLE
Goal must be attainable means that it is achievable and can happen. Just for instance, if you wanted to be a hero you can attain it by being generous to everyone, save lives, and such however if you wanted to be a hero with a superpower then, it is not attainable because there is no such thing or completely very impossible to have and to exist. It must be challenging but possible.
RELEVANT/REALISTIC
Does your goal matter to you? Is it relevant that you have this goal? Is it worthy? This ensures that your goal is something that is important to you.
TIME-BOUND
Your goal must have a deadline because if it does not end, it would be just a dream. Must define the timeframe to when you would achieved it. For example, after 5 years I would be a Certified Public Accountant. So 5 years from now, I would be a CPA. The goal can be aggressive but still need to be realistic. If you wanted to be a doctor then it is possible, however if you wanted a doctor without going through college, it isn't realistic anymore. Therefore, your goal should be achievable in time and meet the deadline.
EXCITING
Make sure that when you set your goal, you would do it happily and passionately. It is very important that you are excited or is looking forward on your goal because if you enjoy doing your crafts, it would be easier to achieve it and you wouldn't realized that you are very near to your goal.
REWARDING
Of course, your goal is rewarding because at the end the day, the moment you achieved it, you will gain something and that is your reward after dreaming big, setting goals and taking an action.
Goals can change your life. It constructs your dream into reality. Now, start setting your goals and put them in to action.