**Goal Setting**

Greetings my amazing steemians. I want to thank God for the gift of life and good health. I trust God you guys are all doing great?.

Thanks to @steem4nigera for this contest on "goal setting" as this is one aspect of our lives we often ignore.

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What is goal setting?

A goal is the result one is attempting to achieve. It is often regards as one's ambiton, purpose or aspiration.
Goal setting is the process whereby an individual is able to identify and put up specific and measurable objectives that will help in achieving his/her desire results. These objectives must not be too ambiguous but must rather be realistic and achievable within a time frame.

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The SMART tool is one of the most popular tools used in goal setting. The SMART tool stands for:
S = Specific: In goal setting, the goal should not be ambiguous but rather well-defined with a clear objective.
M = Measurable: Any set goal should have standard that it's progress can be measured.
A = Achievable: A goal should be set such that a desired result can be achieved and not impossible to achieve.
R = Relevance: There is always a purpose to which a goal is set. A set goal should actually align with your purpose.
T = Timely: Every goal should have a time frame to which it is expected to be actualized. Here, it could either be a short-term goal or a long-term goal.

It is important to note that goals should clearly be written and place within eyesight. For goals that are very big, it is advisable to break them into smaller goals that will be much easier to achieve. You can ask well adjust these goal where necessary. Of course there will surely be obstacles along the path, it is expected that you also include that in you goal seting preparation. Have a timeline to achieving such goals, map out a plan to achieving them and ensure to frequently monitor your progress.

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We have short-term and long-term goals. How can you different them?

Short-term goals: Short-term goals are goals that one wants to achieve within a short period of time ranging from, weeks to a couple of months. Short-term goals can actually act as building blocks to long-term goals. Example of short-term goal include; trying to have a balance between work personal life, designing a budget to track your daily, weekly or monthly expenses, learning from colleagues.

Long-term goals: Long-term goal are goals that one wants to achieve. This usually takes a longer period of time as it could range from a couple of years or more. Examples of such type of goals include; career goals, financial goals, obtaining a degree amongst others.

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Which of the goals is the most important to you?

The most important goal is the long-term goal. Despite the fact that most times, it is a bit difficult and tough to achieve but when broken down into smaller bits, trust me, you'll realize that it's not as difficult as we see it. It only takes self-discipline and commitment to achieve this.

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Tell us your short and long-term goals in 2025 and how you intend to achieve them?

Short-term goals:

1. Keep a track of my monthly expenses: Most times I usually feel my money is being siphoned but after a careful calculations, I will understand that I spent such money myself. To curtail this unnecessary expenses I'll draft a monthly budget and ensure I work strictly with what's on the list.
2. Balance my work and personal life: this has greatly affected my relationship with my friends and family and also my mental health. Going forward, I'll ensure I strike a balance between my work life and my personal life. I'll allocate time to each of them and ensure I work strictly with that.

Long-term goals

1. Financial goals: There is this feeling and comfort one gets when he's got financial freedom. At this point, you already have enough income and savings. You can buy whatsoever you want without having to worry to check your account balance. I've set a goal to achieve this in 2-3years from now. I'll ensure I work harder and invest more in the year 2025. I'll also cut down my expenses to only basic needs and emergency. I'm currently working towards that and I pray that God gives me the strength and grace to achieve my set goal.

Guys, I'll love to know your idea on goal setting and what your goals are for the year 2025. @vickyson @ibrahim @owalama

CC: @goodybest