Unlocking Mental Toughness: The Importance of Setting and Achieving Goals

A life without purpose is much like an unexpected house guest staying for days with you playing gracious host. Your mind entertains every issue that comes its way. Nothing belongs to you and only you, meaning every issue you are faced with becomes an issue to contend with. Do you give your time, attention and energy to everything? Or, do you find your calling and purpose in life? 

It’s imperative for your own health and sanity to assess yourself and determine where you need to invest yourself the most. The best way to make the assessment is to answer the following questions:

• How many of your thoughts are allocated to you and your issues every day (purpose, passion and goals)?

• Do you focus on your purpose only, or do you also find yourself getting caught up in things that do not relate to your situation?

• Do you spend time and energy on every thought that comes to mind? 
  

If you find yourself focusing on things not pertinent to you or you take on tasks that don’t reflect on you, you have a life without purpose. With a clearly defined purpose, you focus on who you are and don’t allow other situations to get in the way of your own goals and passions.  It’s not uncommon for people to go through seasons where they feel they have no purpose; where they lose time and its value. Look at the following situations below. Do you see yourself in any of them? These can help you identify whether you have a purpose or not.

When you don't have a purpose:

• You react to every situation and circumstance

• Others can manipulate you into doing things

• You have no desire or motivation

• You don’t manage finances well and spend excessively on yourself and others

• You hang out with anyone who is available

• You succumb to peer pressure

• You seek for validation and approval from others

• You are vulnerable to addiction (food, alcohol, drugs, etc.)

• You’re always busy

• You’re inclined to negative thinking and pessimism. 

When you have a purpose:

• You get up early in the morning

• You are energetic and motivated

• You are properly dressed

• You are articulate in your conversations

• You make decisions in line with your purpose

• You see goals as tangible

• You are action-oriented

• You consistently have a plan (short and long-term)

• You are always proactive

• You always finish what you start

• You are responsible and accountable. 

A Person Without Goals Faces Extreme Stress 

The human mind is very active and constantly processes over 40,000 thoughts a day. If you do not take your driver’s seat and direct your thoughts, they will take the wheel. Without a clearly defined purpose in life, thought management becomes challenging to do.

The mind’s excess energy turns into stress and manifests itself in various forms – negative thoughts and destructive behaviors. It can also become a physical ailment. When you understand your purpose, it helps you to manage your thoughts and focus your mind on something constructive. A life with no purpose leads to restlessness. Stress can take hold when you don’t have a clear idea of your goals and future. 

As you know, the mind never stops thinking and always takes in information. Instead of letting negativity encroach, why not fill your head with positivity and goals? If you are unable to define what it is you want, your circumstances will be what define you and your actions. 

Goals are Instrumental in Developing Resilience

It cannot be stated enough that the mind focuses on more negativity than positivity. And, if you are not consciously aware of the mental process, it can be easy to be trapped by the cycle of stress and anxiety. You can learn to develop mental strength and redirect your thoughts and mental energy so that you can manage your stress, lessen the worry and ease feelings of anxiety. 

To learn more about how to identify and develop goals, how to attain them and the barriers that can hinder you from achieving them, you may order my book. Now available on Amazon.

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