What I have come to understand over a 40+ year career and 68 years of life, in various diverse roles, is that Goal setting is not just about planning your future once every year in January; it’s about defining who you are and who you want to become. I would even go so far as to say that Goal-setting is not tied to any specific job or profession; it is job agnostic. By reflecting on your past experiences, skill sets, and abilities, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness then, will form the foundation for setting meaningful goals.
To set goals that resonate, start by asking: Who am I? and What do I want to become? When defining who you are, consider your unique experiences and strengths. These elements shape your identity and provide valuable insights into what you’re capable of achieving. Next, envision the exact person you want to become—the way you want others to see you, the values you wish to embody, and the impact you aim to make.
Once you have a clear picture of this future self, you can set goals that align with this vision. By visualizing yourself living out these goals, you begin to connect deeply with the purpose behind them. This sense of purpose then brings clarity, motivation, and a feeling of alignment with what truly matters to you.
With this purpose comes passion. As you move closer to your goals, the excitement and energy you feel reinforce your commitment. Each step forward confirms that your efforts are meaningful and that you are living a life aligned with your true aspirations.
Goal setting, then, is more than a practical exercise—it’s a transformative process. It bridges the gap between who you are today and the person you aspire to be, helping you uncover purpose and passion along the way.
Take the time to define yourself, dream boldly, and set goals that reflect the best version of you. In doing so, you’ll not only achieve success but also create a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.
Research from recognized universities supports the idea that goal setting, when aligned with personal identity and aspirations, fosters a sense of purpose and passion.
The Identity-Based Motivation (IBM) theory, developed by Professor Daphna Oyserman at the University of Southern California, emphasizes that individuals are more motivated to pursue goals that align with their self-concept. When people perceive their goals as congruent with their identity, they are more likely to take purposeful action toward achieving them.
Additionally, a study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights that setting high and specific goals enhances task performance, persistence, and motivation compared to vague or easy goals. This finding underscores the importance of clearly defining who you are and what you want to become, as it leads to the establishment of meaningful goals that drive purposeful action.
Furthermore, research from the University of New South Wales suggests that focusing on personal records (PRs) or self-referenced goals can boost intrinsic motivation and well-being. By setting and striving for personal milestones, individuals experience a sense of achievement and alignment with their passions, reinforcing their sense of purpose.
In summary, aligning goal setting with personal identity and aspirations is supported by academic research as a pathway to discovering purpose and igniting passion. By clearly defining who you are and envisioning who you want to become, you set the stage for meaningful goals that resonate deeply, leading to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
