Some of us may think that the type of life goals that we create do not matter, that as long as we shoot for something big, we will at least achieve something. Having this mindset and creating unrealistic goals can actually be damaging to our mental health. Of course, it is important to be ambitious, but we also need to be realistic.
Realistic goals and unrealistic one’s can be the difference between hitting our goals and not hitting our goals. When we do not hit or achieve our goals it can make us doubt ourselves. The more we cannot achieve our goals, the lower our self-esteem, image, and confidence will be.
This can cause an increase in anxiety and depression. On the other hand, when we set realistic goals, we are more likely to achieve them. Achieving goals can increase self-esteem and create motivation in all aspects of life.
Achieving goals helps us feel more proud of ourselves and helps us stay focused on what is important to us. Setting realistic goals can also include micro or even short-term goals to help you have a better chance at success. Below are examples of unrealistic and realistic goals.
Also, reasons for why achieving goals can be extremely helpful. Unrealistic goals depend on you and your circumstance, for some people these goals may very well be attainable, but for many they may not.
Unrealistic goals:
- To earn a million dollars a year in your 20’s
- Building a multi-million-dollar business within a year
- Creating opportunities without trying
- Doing what others expect of us
- Buying your first home before your 20’s
- Getting married before your 30’s
These goals can be realistic for some, but for most people, these are just simply unrealistic expectations that society wants us to believe is realistic. No matter how long it takes to achieve goals like these, focus on the timeline that is best for you.
Realistic goals should include specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based also known as (SMART goals).
Realistic goals:
- Live within a budget
- Create a self-care routine
- Commit to a relationship when it is right for you
- Increase your knowledge or receive an education
- Prioritize your mental and physical health
Achieving life goals can help us by:
- Giving us focus & motivation
Without goals we have nothing to strive for or anything to motivate us to succeed. They also help us focus on what we want in life.
- Better understanding our progress and how far we have come
We must have goals set in place in order to progress and see that progression. This also helps us see when we do reach a goal or what needs to be done to reach that goal.
- Finding what is important in life
You may achieve many things, but these many things will show you what was and is actually important and how that effects your goals for the future.
- Increase self-esteem & self-image
The more goals we are able to achieve, the more confident we become in ourselves. This confidence increases our self-esteem an allows us to feel proud of ourselves.
- Boost our mood and mental health
Having that sense of accomplishment can make you happier, more optimistic, and increases your mental health. When we are proud, happy, and motivated, we are less likely to be anxious, nervous, or depressed.
Start working on realistic goals that are right for you and not what is right for someone else. We all live very different lives, so the goals we want to achieve are not going to be the same as other people’s goals.
Let your goals and accomplishments guide you in the direction that you choose. Life is not easy, setting and reaching goals is not easy, but all you have to do is try and be real with yourself while doing it.
Take the time to identify what is going to be right for you. Let your accomplishments heal your mental and physical health and well-being.
If you are struggling with motivation, self-esteem, or goal setting, do not be afraid to ask for help. Therapy is a great option to help us become more confident in ourselves and give us the motivation to achieve our goals whether they are big or small.
