SETTING GOALS OR CHANGING HABITS…  YES!

Rei Shen is a personal development expert and goalsetting advisor who has been featured on many common media platforms, and he shares his insights on his “Success in Depth” platform.

Here are Rei Shen’s 7 key differences between goals and habits:

1. Goals Are Desired Outcomes

• Goals are desired outcomes or milestones we strive to achieve within a specific time frame. They represent the end result of our efforts. Goals motivate us to perform something meaningful and help channel our focus in the right direction.

• On the other hand, habits are behaviors or actions we perform repeatedly, often unconsciously, over time. They are the building blocks of our daily routines and significantly influence our thoughts and emotions.

2. Goals Require Planning and Strategy

• Goal setting requires careful planning and strategic thinking. We need to set achievable milestones and make informed decisions to stay on track. We also must be aware of any potential obstacles that may occur and plan accordingly.

• It’s different when it comes to forming a habit. Instead of planning and strategizing, we simply need to practice repeating the same behavior over and over until it becomes a natural part of our daily routines.

3. Goals Are Time-Bound

• Goals typically have an end date or deadline attached to them. This is necessary as it helps us to remain motivated and keeps us accountable.

• On the other hand, habits can take anywhere from 2-3 months or longer before they become ingrained in our system. It’s not a race but more about staying consistent and dedicated to our practice.

4. Goals Need Intention

• Goals need intention and purpose. You need to know what you’re trying to achieve and why it matters to you. Otherwise, it’s just a dream or wish that may never materialize.

• Habits, on the other hand, don’t require much reflection or thought. You just need to create a routine and stick to it for a couple of months before it becomes an unconscious behavior.

5. Habits Can Last Longer

• Goals can be achieved quickly or take years to reach, depending on the nature of each one. But our motivation often dissipates once our goals are met.

• Habits, on the other hand, can last a lifetime. That’s because they become intertwined with your routines and serve as the foundation of your life. You may forget the goals you’ve set, but rarely do you ignore the habits you’ve built.

6. Goals Can Change

• Goals can change based on our environment, circumstances, and feelings. We often review and reevaluate our plans to ensure we’re heading in the right direction.

• Habits are slightly different because they’re more ingrained in our day-to-day lives. We may tweak certain aspects of our routine occasionally, but they’re usually pretty much the same.

7. Goals Need Monitoring

• Goals must be monitored closely so that we can adjust our plans accordingly. It’s easy to get off track and lose focus, especially when life throws unexpected challenges. That’s why it’s important to measure progress and make necessary changes.

• Habits, on the other hand, don’t require much monitoring. It’s more about staying consistent and dedicated to your practice.

By establishing realistic goals and building positive habits, you can create an effective system that supports your growth over time.