The importance of personal goals

Personal goals are an important part of human development because they give direction to effort and help people decide what deserves their time, attention, and energy. Without goals, a person can still complete everyday tasks, go to school, work, spend time with friends, and respond to whatever happens next, but life may become largely reactive. Decisions are then made according to immediate pressure, habit, convenience, or the expectations of other people. Goals create a different approach. They encourage people to think not only about what they are doing today but also about where today’s actions may lead. A student who wants to enter a particular field of study may begin paying more attention to relevant subjects, deadlines, grades, and opportunities. …