5 Things that Will Happen WITHOUT Goal-Setting

When it comes to setting goals, you may wonder why it’s necessary. But here are just a few of the dire consequences that can come about from not picking a destination and reaching to get there.

1. You’ll get lost. 

If you were a pirate looking for treasure, you won’t just start digging around willy-nilly for treasure. You’d probably get an ancient map with an “X” that marks the spot. The same is true for setting goals. When you do not choose to set goals, you do choose to wander around aimlessly in every area of life. By not choosing goals, you choose to blow around where the wind takes you, and sometimes that place is not so good.

“Indecision is a decision within itself.” - NOC

2. You’ll miss opportunities. 

When it comes to work, and life in general, people only seek out assistance from those who are motivated and moving somewhere. If you don’t set goals and complacently just “roll with it” all the time, you lose, be it professionally or personally. You choose to miss out on promotions, pay raises, and invitations you’d otherwise get if you had some goals you were working towards, such as finding a better job or dating that special someone.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein.

3. You’ll lose the power of attraction. 

It’s a hotly debated topic, but many people out there swear there’s something intangibly true about how the way we think and feel affects the world around us. Think good, and it will be good, an old adage goes. With goals, success will come your way. Without goals, you’re not really able to be sure what’s headed your direction. 

“Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved, differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear and superstition.” - Bernard Beckett

4. You’ll continue to feel empty inside. 

Steven Hawking, one of the greatest scientific minds in modern times, left behind many thoughts about the universe, but one that was applicable even to those who aren’t physicists was to find meaningful work. Goals give you a reason to get up in the morning and embrace the awesome gift that is life. Without goals, you might as well just roll over and go back to sleep—all day. 

“I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we're all teachers - if we're willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.” - Marla Gibbs

5. You will continue to doubt yourself and feed your inner critic. 

Most of us are plagued by doubts about ourselves. It’s natural and human to wonder if we really are worth our place in the world. Of course, the answer is that each and every person is a unique piece in a much larger picture, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. But in order to tap into that sense of self worth, you need to set some goals and get working. You’ll feel great when you achieve them, and purposeful as you work towards them. 

Agape
Harry Turner, CBGT, CCTP, CMHIMP, HCH, LCSW
aka  “The Nocturnal Therapist”