Goal setting theory doesn't have to be complicated or hard to follow. Books upon books have been written about the importance of setting goals to get what you want. At times in life it is true, only a passionate belief fueling a vivid goal can get us where we want. On the other hand, many set goals and fail to realize them because they give up. Here are two goal setting theory approaches. You can pick the best out of each or use the approach that suits your personality and style. They can be summarized as follows: Goal Setting Theory 1: You don't need to know how you are going to reach your goal, just set the goal and keep it in front of you. Goal Setting Theory 2: To achieve your goal you need a specific detailed definition of what you want to achieve and a step by step plan on how to get there. Let's explore these two aspects of goal setting theory. Jack Black, a popular motivational speaker in the UK, used a catch phrase "Don't ask how!". His view was, by asking "how", you kill the goal right there. In view of a particular individual's station in life, or environment, or upbringing, the goal may seem like a pie in the sky idea. If a person born in poverty with no connections in life dreamed of being a famous actor, those around them might naturally ask "How?". Yet there are many life stories of individuals born in very difficult circumstances, with it seems, everything set against them in life, who hold on to a dream, and eventually get there! They don't ask "How?because the goal would probably fizzle out if they did. They just keep it in the front of their mind day in day out, year in year out, and they get there. This is due in part to what is known as RAS, or Reticular Activating System. Here is a definition of RAS: "the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function". It describes a particular way the brain works. Have you ever had the experience of wanting a particular automobile? You have in mind an exact model, color, specific extras etc. that you would like. You can just see yourself driving it. Then, within a short time, you start seeing this exact vehicle all over the place. Why? Because your brain is filtering information and as you have alerted it to a specific object, you now begin to notice it whereas before it was there but you didn't pay any attention to it. This really is the secret behind goal setting theory that says, "Don't ask how". By keeping the goal in the front of the mind, reminding oneself of it daily, constantly thinking about it, dreaming about it, you are training your brain to identify opportunities and the means or tools needed to get to that goal. They were there all the time, but the brain now filters information in such a way that they now leap out at you. Goal setting theory number 2 some would say is much more realistic. You set an attainable goal. You craft a carefully worded 'mission statement' of what you want to accomplish. You research, find out the resources you will need. You look ahead at potential obstacles and think how to circumnavigate roadblocks. You make a plan. You then take action on the plan. You break the goal setting exercise into bite size pieces. You set time limits on each section, etc. etc. Perhaps some are put off with this approach. After all, it does sound like hard work. You might well be exhausted before you even start! However, many high performers in business, in sports, and other areas of life, have used this kind of formula and achieved outstanding results. Aristotle is quoted as saying: "Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals." So the choice is up to you. Perhaps you can combine the main concept of approach number 1 and allow your brain to filter the information you need naturally, with a basic framework suggested in approach number 2. Or perhaps goal setting theory 1 really appeals to your personality whereas goal setting theory 2 doesn't at all, or vice versa. Whatever your viewpoint, do set goals! There is no doubt they are an essential ingredient in high achievement and satisfaction in life! Copyright (c) 2009 Michael A Jones
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