If you wanted to take a trip to somewhere and you haven't gone to that particular place before, what is the one thing that you will probably be having ? Yes, that's right. You will probably have a map in your hand to show you exactly how to get from where you are at to where you want to go. This sounds like common sense but for many people out there who have not been exposed to goal setting techniques and have no idea how to properly plan a goal, they might be just as well be walking around in a circle.

A personal goal setting process is a framework that provides you a step by step procedure from assessing where you are at right now and taking you from this current point in time to forming a plan which has tasks, timeline and milestones. It provides you a guiding line every step of the way so you can refer to it at any point on your journey to reach your goals.

Some people who are not exposed to some of the goal setting techniques most probably think its a waste of time. To these people, a goal setting plan is nothing more then a to-do list. Moreover, they have the concept that their dreams will come true if they just have a thought in their minds. If only it was that simple. Without a plan, where would an individual know if he has been slipped on his schedule or where should he reallocate more time to readjust timelines for more difficult task.

If you want to reach a goal without a plan, you are akin to a ship in the middle of an ocean without an map or a compass. You are always trying to move in a certain direction, but you don't know where you are and you don't know if the direction you are moving will lead you to your destination.

With a well thought of plan, you can have the flexibility to make changes to any parts of the plan without affecting your entire journey to reach your goals. Some people may argue that having a plan restricts the individual in taking any opportunities that comes in the middle of their journey and reduces the spontaneity that comes with life. This is a false concept. Having a good plan from a productive personal goal setting session not only contributes to you having more flexibility and freedom to cater for any unexpected surprises, you will also have less stress in thinking what your next step will be because you have taken the element of double guessing your actions out of the equation.

Time is precious and we only have a limited amount of time on earth. Do you want to wander aimlessly or would you prefer to be laser focused on getting results and living the best life that you deserve to live. The choice is yours.