Goal-setting involves far more than the quest to make money. It's a vital practice that helps individuals achieve their God-given potential in the most important areas of life.

By Bev Davis/REGISTER-HERALD SENIOR EDITOR

Personal coach Josiah Smith says setting goals helps people achieve their full potential in the most important areas of their lives. Goals should be practical, but challenging, Smith said. Lew Whitener/The Register-Herald

That's the philosophy personal counselor Josiah Smith uses at Life Strategies in Beckley to underscore the importance of setting goals.

"Do you want to have a great marriage? Do you want to have obedient children who love you? Do you want to graduate from college? Do you want to go into business? Success doesn't happen by osmosis. You have to commit to working daily on the small things if you want to experience the fulfillment of achieving your most important objectives," Smith said.

Several things will happen when people set goals, he said.

"Your day-to-day living is energized, because you have purpose. You're living for something bigger than the moment, making you less likely to give in to a desire for instant gratification," Smith said.

Goals also help keep what he calls "the big picture" in view.

"To be successful, you need to be able to see more than just what is directly in front of you. You need to see ahead and behind and think about the big picture of your life because it affects your desire to put aside instant gratification and make some sacrifices so you can reach your long-term goals," he said.

Setting goals and working to achieve them impacts others around you, Smith said.

"Your focus can energize those around you. You can also become a leader because one of the characteristics of a leader is the ability to have direction and who can provide direction for others," Smith said.

By setting goals, one also becomes an example for others by making changes in your life.

"We resist change because the status quo is more comfortable. Setting goals calls for making changes, and as we are successful in making those changes, we help others by our example," Smith said.

Goals provide direction. Even though long-term goals may change over time, short-term goals provide valuable insights into planning for the future.

"You may get to a certain point and realize you want to narrow your focus. You will be closer to doing that because of the changes you have already made," Smith said.

Goals keep you moving forward. "If you are working to achieve goals, you cannot be stationary. You are moving forward. You are growing," Smith said.

Goals call for commitment, and Smith advises enlisting the help of others in reaching them.

"Tell people what your goals are. For example, if you want to give up smoking or lose weight, tell your friends and co-workers that. They will be able to encourage you and help you reach that goal."

According to author and motivational speaker Zig Zigler, there are four reasons people don't set goals:

- Fear - Zigler defines fear with an acronym, False Evidence Appearing Real.

- Poor self-image.

- We've never been sold on the idea of setting goals.

- We don't know how.

Smith offered the following goal-making tips:

- Set goals that are challenging, but not unrealistic. If you set a goal too high and you fail, it's harder to try again. The goal should be realistic, but it should also stretch you.

- Change the habits that got you where you are today. Goals call for change, so be willing to adjust your plans accordingly.

- Create a daily plan that forces you to make small changes in your daily routine and will make your goals become a reality. If the long-term goal is losing weight, the daily eating and exercise plan will be the small steps that lead you to the bigger changes ahead.

- Write your goal out in the first person, as if it has already happened. This will help you visualize the changes. You need to be able to see yourself making whatever changes you want to make.

Use the following questions to define your goal:

- Is it really my goal - or am I wanting to make this change to please someone else?

- Is it morally right and fair to all involved? Can I accomplish this goal with high ethical and moral standards?

- Will it take me closer to achieving my long-term objectives?

- Can I commit to this goal?

- Can I visualize myself reaching this goal?

- E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com