“The most important thing about having goals is having one.” Albert F. Geoffrey

What is the real importance of goals anyway? Well, there are quite a few reasons, but to put it in a nutshell, goal-setting really does help your client to plan and when he or she has a plan they can do something about it. Putting a plan into action is what helps to make their dreams become their reality. The process of goal-setting helps them to choose their direction in life. By knowing precisely what he or she wants to achieve, they will know where they have to concentrate their efforts. They’ll also quickly spot the distractions that would otherwise lure them from their course.

Many clients come to a coach with goals in mind, but need more clarification, direction and a plan of action. Other clients, however, do not even know where to begin and the very idea of goals freezes them up. As coaches you want to help your clients define their goals, so that they can work on a specific plan of action, keep focused and get the most out of their business, personal and spiritual lives. It is when individuals become aware of their core desires, dreams and goals, that they gain a sense of hope and freedom. As Nietzsche said, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

A fellow colleague, Deborah Kolb, mentioned in an article she wrote for my website, ”Did you know that only 3% of people write down their goals, and of that 3%, 80% reach their goals?” That is something worth thinking about. Just thinking about our goals will not make them materialize.

Nevertheless, I feel that goals are not worth the paper they are written on if one’s values are not determined first. Most of the reading I have done suggests that goals go hand-in-hand with success. I want to challenge that by saying that values, passion and desire are the essential ingredients to success.

I believe that the reason why so many people and clients still feel empty after they have achieved a goal is that the goals they strive for are made irrespective of values, passions and desires. When they reach their goals still feeling empty they think that there is something wrong or that they have failed in some way. So they go on to the next goal in search of success, accomplishment and fulfillment. So it is my belief that before you support clients with goal-setting, it is essential to help clients clarify their values, passions and deep desires first.