Why I Won't Be 'Setting' Goals for 2017

Happy 2017!

Like most, I always start the year rapidly planning goals for the new year (along with a terrible hangover). I like to think I set realistic goals for myself – I mean, a girl can dream that she’ll end up with a Ferrari and a mansion to live in but let’s face it… that’s probably not going to happen.

Actually, I’m pretty grateful for 2016. I graduated University with a first class honours in Graphic Design, I began my first full time career as a Graphic Designer, I had amazing opportunities with my blog and of course, I got into strength training. But the funny thing? It wasn’t until I looked back on my goals yesterday evening that I really remembered them. Two weeks into 2016 and I pretty much forgot my goals. But, I didn’t forget one thing.. the notion to work hard.

If you think about it you can create all the goals in the world but with every single goal comes a system. That system being ‘work’. 

Let me explain a little clearer…

You plan to lose weight this year… So, you work hard to workout and eat healthy.

You plan to start reading more this year… So, you work hard to read more.

You plan to build muscle this year… So, you work hard to gain mass.

You plan to run a marathon this year… So, you work hard to train for it.

You plan to get a promotion at work this year… So, you work harder.

Now, let me ask you this… If you took away your goals and focused purely on working hard. Would you still get your results? Yes, you would. I mean, it’s pretty much how my 2016 went.

Like I said earlier, I forgot my goals after two weeks but one of them was to graduate with a good grade. Although I forgot the setting of that goal, I still continued to work hard and went from awful University grades to graduating with First Class Honours. All through hard work and dedication.

So this year, rather than focusing on my goals i’ll be focusing on the system itself and this is why:

Goals don’t last forever

That’s it, you hit your goal so now what? Chances are you’re probably going to lose some motivation and drive because you no longer have that certain ‘goal’ to go after.

A more realistic approach

Let’s face it, we all create some goals that aren’t realistic – mainly the reason why so many people end up losing sight of them! But with the system, the concept of working hard isn’t quite so bad.

Defining goals defines your limits

Instead of defining your own limitations through long-term goals, perhaps just make a commitment to the system of working hard. That way, your goal has no finish line and no ‘Oh, now what?’ once you’ve completed it.

It’s ok not to have a goal

I think this ones important. Having goals in life doesn’t make you better than anybody else, it doesn’t mean you suddenly have your life together and it doesn’t mean you’re going to achieve them.

At the end of the day, although goals provide direction and motivation, a system of working hard will always work and provide results. Having the drive to work hard is the thing though, once you got that then boom, you’re on you way kid.

But just remember, whether you achieve in life or not isn’t the point. The point is that you do what you love and you love what you do.

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