7 Tips To Set Realistic Goals In Life

Goals are an important part of everyone’s professional as well as personal journey, yet so many struggle to find the right career path, just because their goals were inappropriate. Explore this article to make yourself aware about the psychological and the spiritual approach to set realistic goals to make the most of this human birth.

Understand the power of SMART goals

According to the goal-setting theory by psychologist Edwin Locke, specific and challenging goals boost performance. Similarly, SMART goals are a system of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.

• Specific: Vague objectives should be avoided, for instance, instead of setting goals like ‘stay fit’ it is better to set a daily objective like ‘run 5 km in 30 minutes’.

• Measurable: Track your progress with numbers or milestones.

• Achievable: Challenge yourself, but make sure that it is achievable. Rather than saying, ‘I am going to lose 10 kgs within two weeks’, it’s better to say, ‘I am going to try to lose 2 kgs every month’.

• Relevant: Goals align with values and long-term aspirations. Setting inappropriate goals will waste your time.

• Time-bound: The attached deadlines will help to conquer procrastination.

Consider your current capacity

Human psychology indicates that people always overestimate their short-term achievements while underestimating their potential to achieve over a long period. Take stock of the skills, resources, and constraints you have at the moment. For example, if one is new in a certain field, expecting expert results in a month are way out of proportion. Decompose your large goals into small steps which gradually will create confidence and momentum over time.

Use intrinsic motivation 

Goals identified with intrinsic motivation – that is, doing something for your own sake instead of expecting some external reward are observed to be more successful. For example, in setting a goal to learn something new, first ask yourself why it is important. Was it because you like the process or was it just to get approval? Psychologists say intrinsically motivated goals fit better with long-term happiness and sustainability.

Visualising success and barriers

One of the potent tools in setting goals is visualization. Visualisation is not dreaming, it is turning your realistic dreams to reality by working through all the hurdles. It is the process of analysing the hurdles prior to its arrival, and handling it with ease.

But that’s not all: According to Gabriele Oettingen, combining visualisation with identification of potential hurdles can give you a much better idea of how to proceed further.

Practice flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes having rigid goals does more harm than good. Prepare yourself to adapt to varying conditions. If circumstances change, reassess and adjust your goals without guilt. Psychology reminds us that resilience is key to long-term success.

Recognise small milestones 

Every small accomplishment is a step toward your big goal. The reward reinforces the repetition of positive behavior; therefore, one should recognise progress, no matter how small. It helps in keeping focus intact.

Spiritual Approach To Goals

The spiritual way to approach realistic goals in life is by knowing life’s true purpose. The path to inner fulfillment is outlined in our holy scriptures that the primary goal of this human life is to worship Supreme God Kabir and attain salvation. And to worship Him, seek refuge in a Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint) as mentioned in verse 34 chapter 4 of holy Gita ji. 

The world seems to be running behind name and fame, leaving behind the taste of satisfaction. But after setting the right spiritual goals, one can start their journey towards attaining complete satisfaction. The true spiritual knowledge imparted by a Complete Saint, presently Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, enables us to redefine priorities, making salvation as our prime goal. The true method of worship provided by Him aligns our life physically, mentally and financially. Therefore it becomes equally important for us to commence our journey towards the right spiritual enlightenment.

Message to the Society 

Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the singular Complete Saint, providing the true method of worship as mentioned in our holy scriptures. Today, thousands of His devotees are enjoying physical, mental and financial benefits by seeking His refuge. In order to know more about His path-breaking true spiritual knowledge and spiritual wisdom imparted by Him, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org or His youtube channel ‘Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’ to watch spiritual discourses.