Author: M. Akbar Omari
The importance of goal and goal setting in life (Part 4)
Types of Goals (Continued)
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Career Goals
Career goals act as a strategic plan guiding you toward greater professional achievements and career development. Regardless of your current position, it is essential to continuously set goals for improvement and growth. Career goals should reflect your professional vision and be determined thoughtfully based on what you want to accomplish. Examples include:
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Pursuing higher education and certifications in your specialized field.
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Enhancing skills and expertise relevant to your profession.
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Achieving senior management positions within the next five years.
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Improving performance metrics at work.
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Searching for better job opportunities with improved benefits.
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Financial Goals
Many of us earn less than our potential and spend more than we need. Setting financial goals helps manage finances more effectively. To define financial goals, you must be aware of your priorities and understand how to allocate your resources in the short and long term. Examples of financial goals include:
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Creating and adhering to a monthly budget.
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Allocating a specific amount for monthly savings.
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Developing multiple alternative sources of income.
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Increasing income by up to 50%.
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Paying off and settling debts.
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Business Goals
Business growth and sustainability require clearly defined and achievable goals. To reach these goals, define your long-term vision and mission for your business and set measurable short-term objectives. Examples of business goals include:
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Reducing operational costs by 30%.
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Attracting new customers.
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Entering new markets.
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Designing and developing new products.
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Increasing market share.
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Personal Goals
Personal goals are aimed at helping you become a better version of yourself in the future. These goals include activities and plans for personal development, spiritual growth, or educational advancement. Examples include:
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Reading one book per month.
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Developing a habit of gratitude.
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Avoiding procrastination.
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Waking up early.
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Working on emotional intelligence.
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Family Goals
Family goal-setting plays a key role in creating a balanced and well-being-focused home environment. Although discussed at the end of the list, family goals are highly significant. They help maintain harmony and happiness in family life and share joyful moments with loved ones. Examples include:
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Increasing vegetable consumption to improve family health.
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Allocating weekly or monthly time for family activities.
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Helping your spouse with household chores and volunteering in these tasks.
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Setting goals to enhance emotional bonds and strengthen your marriage.
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Educational Goals
With dedication and effort in education, I aim to become a distinguished scholar in the Islamic world. After completing the 12th grade, I prepare to take the university entrance exam to succeed in the upcoming year.
Goals Based on Quality and Nature
Goals can vary based on individual personality, temperament, and inherent differences. Therefore, we categorize goals based on their quality and type:
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Low-Value Goals:
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Example: Focusing solely on romantic relationships and striving constantly to gain someone’s attention. These are often materialistic or fleeting desires.
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Good but Temporary Goals:
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Example: Raising educated children. Initially, it seems positive, e.g., your child earns an engineering degree and has a successful life or becomes a doctor serving society. However, once children grow and become independent, the goal may be temporary, especially if there is no spiritual or religious dimension.
Examples of good but time-limited goals:
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My child earns an engineering degree.
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My child becomes a specialist doctor.
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I learn a new language and master it.
People who pursue these goals and eventually achieve them may sometimes experience depression, isolation, or other issues. This emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s pleasure to guide individuals toward eternal happiness.
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Examples of Great and Eternal Goals:
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Raising righteous children who call others to Islam and pray for me.
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Acquiring religious knowledge and leaving beneficial works behind.
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Building a resting place for travelers.
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Digging a well near a mosque to serve the community.
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Establishing a school or academic center for learning and advancement.
