Goal setting is so basic to success that it doesn't even need to be mentioned. Everyone knows that it is necessary and important to plan and map out a course and they all do it. Right?
Setting goals like any other success behaviour is a habit. This one habit alone will make such an incredible difference in your life that should you manage to integrate it -- you will literally experience a different life!
This is a habit that is not taught anywhere on a consistent basis. The fortunate few whose parents modeled it for them are 'naturally' successful. The rest of us have to figure out why we are struggling with success and then make habits that empower us.
Setting goals is all about success and achievement. If you have no desire to achieve anything you don't need to set goals. Most normal people want to achieve something at some point and the best way to get to the place of achievement is to set goals.
Setting goals is the single most important exercise you can do on your journey towards success. Without setting goals you are just drifting along aimless subject to the randomness of circumstance...
A new year's resolution is about as close as most people get to setting real, effective goals. And you know how many people keep their new year's resolutions.
Setting goals is like planting wonderful little seeds of success into your mind. When they are properly presented to your subconscious mind they will automatically produce effective, efficient action. Action that leads to success.
For an excellent primer on proper goal setting check this page.
Ok, now you're convinced that you need to set some goals. You've done your home work you use the S.M.A.R.T. goal guideline and you're ready for some magic to happen in your life.
There is one smallish problem. Once you've set your goals you may become distracted and lose your goal focus. This is the primary reason that goal setters miss the bull's eye.
Your goal must constantly be in the forefront of your mind. Your subconscious needs to be instructed to work on your goals for you -- the only way to instruct your subconscious is by using affirmations.
Here's how to create mind changing affirmations. The value of affirmations combined with goal setting is priceless.