7Reasons to Set New Goals

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One thing I absolutely love about a new year, or a new day for that matter, is that it gives us a fresh start to set new goals and implement new plans to pursue and achieve. I have recently set some new goals that have been keeping me very busy, motivated, and excited. One of my many goals began about three weeks ago. I cut desserts out of my diet. It started with a chocolate fast. I was literally consuming at least one bar or 5 pieces of dark chocolate every day, and that is not including cookies, icecream and other desserts I love. It wasn't until I went the doctor's for a sinus infection and got weighed in that I decided to set that new goal. It was motivated by my surprise in learning that I had gained almost 10 pounds. As long as I exercised I figured I could have my daily desserts. I was wrong. Anyways, I set the goal of losing the weight by cutting chocolate out of my diet. I started with that and then added cookies and eventually all dessert. To my surprise, I no longer crave sweets like I did before. Still, I would love to have at least a little of my favorite dark chocolate. But knowing myself and the chocoholic I am, it's just easier to abstain completely for now. I still have a bag full of my favorite dark chocolate on the side of my desk just to tempt me. Actually, it's a reminder that I can do without it if I must.

Weight loss has been just one of my goals. I have set others as well and I am amazed at how motivated they keepn me. One thing I believe is that we must set goals for the things we love to do. Personally, my musical goals keep me interested, challenged, and provide a lot of fun and enjoyment in my life. I decided this year to devote a portion of my time to really enjoying and appreciating my artistic interests. We all need a healthy balance of work and play. I encourage everyone to add pleasurable activities and goals to their lives as much as possible.

Setting new goals can be very exciting and rewarding. I was recently thinking about the many reasons I am thankful for new goals. Goal setting has many benefits! I came up with 7 reasons to set new goals. I am sure there are many more. Please feel free to add to the list.

1. Goals give us something to look forward to, anticipate, expect.
2. Goals require us to make plans that we can pursue and achieve.
3. Goals help to refine our focus and vision.
4. Goals can spark our dreams and hopes and help us move toward them.
5. Goals give us the opportunity to learn, grow, change and improve.
6. Goals keep us moving forward.
7. Goals keep us busy, occupied and productive.

Setting new goals is a great way to start the new year and it is something we can do every day. For specific steps, go to my article: 5 Steps to Goal Setting Successful.

Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life. ~Les Brown

If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else. ~Yogi Berra

Life can be pulled by goals just as surely as it can be pushed by drives. ~Viktor Frankl

There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something. ~Henry Ford

Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind. ~Seneca

It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Copyright 2011 Krystal Kuehn, New Day Counseling. All Rights Reserved.