Why Do Goals Matter?

Written by Deborah Walker

“Now is the time…to set your goals.  

Set short, medium, and long-term goals.  

The long-term goals will keep you going 

when you miss some of the short-terms ones.

Goals serve as subliminal signposts.  

Aiming for them takes the focus off the obstacles.

Achieving them gives you renewed enthusiasm.”

Patrick Lindsay. Now is the Time; 170 ways to seize the moment, p. 128

During the course of our careers we have all likely heard something about goal setting at some point; if not once, perhaps multiple times.

For myself, I am a goal-oriented person and I often set goals.

One area in which I have set goals is through Toastmasters.  When I first joined Toastmasters in 2005 I went “all in” and completed 40 speeches and presentations in two years and within 13 months of joining I achieved the Competent Toastmaster award along with the Competent Leader and Advanced Communicator – Bronze awards.  I set lots of goals and worked hard to achieve them.

What exactly is the value of goals?

1. Goals set direction – whatever it is that you want to work on, you will only reach it if you set a goal (or multiple goals).
2. Goals provide opportunities to learn – en route to the goal we will new learn new things and new ways of doing things.
3. Goals provide benchmarks – if you have several goals for getting something done, you will feel encouraged as you reach those milestones and it makes attaining the ultimate goal more realistic.
4. Goals provide opportunities for achievement – when you reach your goal you can celebrate your success!

“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal.” – Earl Nightingale

Deborah is an avid Toastmaster, goal-setter and continuous learner.  She was a member of the Not-Just-Us Toastmasters Club from 2005 – 2010.  She joined FCC Stubblejumpers in 2016 and currently serves as their Club President.  She most recently joined Literally Speaking where she participates remotely with a Club outside of her home province.  She is also an avid reader and horse lover.