In a recent blog post, I discussed how asking better questions can lead to exploring the power of your beliefs. If you’ve been challenged by limiting beliefs, I hope that exploration helped you challenge your own narratives. Today, I want to pose a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful question: What’s your goal?

The Ubiquity of Goals

You might be surprised to learn that everything in our universe, from the smallest particle to the most complex living being, has a goal. As you read this blog post, you have a goal—perhaps to gain insight, to be entertained, satisfy your curiosity, or to find inspiration. Even inanimate objects have “goals” in the sense of their inherent properties or tendencies:

– A rock has the “goal” of not floating.

– A cloud has the “goal” of offering precipitation—or not—based on weather conditions.

– A clock has the “goal” of keeping accurate time.

And we humans, complex as we are, are subject to the same universal law of inherent purpose.

The Law of Intention and Action

What is this law I’m referring to? It’s the principle that every action we take is predicated on goal attainment, whether we’re conscious of it or not. Let’s explore this idea with some everyday examples:

• Online Grocery Shopping – When you place an order for delivery, your obvious goal is to restock supplies. But dig deeper, and you’ll find additional goals: convenience, time savings, and perhaps even reducing exposure to crowds in a post-pandemic world.

• Social Connections – When you reach out to friends, your goal might be emotional fulfillment, shared experiences, or maintaining important relationships.

• Pet Ownership – Embracing a pet parent lifestyle comes with goals like companionship, unconditional love, and sometimes even a sense of purpose or responsibility.

• Work Relationships – Building what you call a “work family” has goals too—professional support, collaborative success, and possibly a more enjoyable work environment.

In each of these scenarios, when you align intention with action, you get a goal. It’s a simple equation, but one we may not have previously considered.

The Limitations of Autopilot Mode

So why does understanding our goals matter so much? Generally, we go through life on autopilot, taking actions without a clear awareness of our underlying goals. This leads to default results—outcomes that happen to us rather than outcomes we consciously create.

Living life on default isn’t inherently wrong. It’s perfectly fine if that’s what you genuinely want. But here’s the catch: even choosing to live life on default is, in itself, a goal. See how pervasive goals are?

For those who aspire to a different experience—one where they design their outcomes rather than accept whatever comes their way—it all begins with answering that simple yet profound question: What’s your goal?

The Power of Conscious Goal-Setting

When you start to approach life with clear, conscious goals, several powerful shifts occur:

• Increased Focus. Knowing your goal helps you filter out distractions and concentrate on what truly matters.

• Better Decision-Making. With a clear goal in mind, choices become easier. You can ask yourself, “Does this align with my goal?”

• Enhanced Motivation. Goals give you something to strive for, providing a source of inspiration and drive.

• Greater Satisfaction. Achieving consciously set goals often leads to a deeper sense of fulfillment than simply going through the motions.

Putting It Into Practice

So, how can you start harnessing the power of conscious goal-setting? Here are a few steps to get you started.

• Take a moment to reflect on your daily actions. Ask yourself for every action you take, “What am I really trying to achieve here?”

• For important decisions, big or small, pause and explore your underlying goals.

• Start your day by setting intentional goals, even if they’re as simple as “I want to be peaceful and productive today.”

• Regularly revisit and revise your long-term goals. Are they still aligned with who you are and who you want to become?

• Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your automatic behaviors and the goals they might be serving.

Keeping It Real

In today’s world where it feels as if everything is constantly in flux, understanding and setting our own goals is a powerful act of self-determination. It’s the difference between being a passenger in our own life and taking the driver’s seat.

So, I’ll leave you with this challenge: For the next week, start each day by asking yourself, “What’s my goal?” You might be surprised at how this simple question can transform your experiences, your choices, and ultimately, your life.

Full circle. Everyone and everything has a goal. The question is: are you aware of yours?

#SoarAboveAchieveBeyond