Goal setting features heavily in both business and personal development and it could be easy to think that it'sthemost important thing.

Certainly, as a coach I encourage my clients to set goals and get more focused on what it is they want to accomplish.

But, at the same time, we have to be careful of becoming over-dependent upon targets or allowing them to become all consuming. Letting this happen can cloud our better judgement and lead to all kinds of undesirable outcomes.

For example, isn't the current economic situation partly down to the goals of individual businesses and people becoming more important than basic human values we all share?

Don't we see huge numbers of people suffering the effects of stress because of their perception that they are failing in their quests?

Several years ago I read a book by Marianne Williamson called 'A return to love”. I've since been to see Marianne as a speaker and she talks a lot of sense.

In her book Marianne says "Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that serves others."

I like this definition and it reminds me of a Tiger Woods quote I once read, “I get to play golf for a living. What more can you ask for - getting paid for doing what you love”.

For goals to be effective they must:

Be set high but still realistic

Be inspiring

Reflect your values

Help you do more of what you love

Speaking to many business people, as I do, one thing that people are telling me is that many of the business goals they set last year are simply unrealistic in the present climate. If this is the case then it’s time to adjust them.

Goals are there to inspire, energise and focus people in a positive way but as soon as they begin to become a burden and drain energy then they have ceased to serve their purpose.

Don’t allow external forces to drain your energy. Instead take control and focus on what makes you feel good.

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