Imagine if you were throwing darts in the dark; feeling lost and hopeless, as if you ultimately failing. Well, that is how life is without goals or a desired result. So, whether you are recovering from substance abuse, battling with depression, have low self-esteem, or trying to lose weight; setting goals can be of aid. They help provide hope toward progression, fuel ambition and provide accountability with one’s self which consequently improves internal perspective when that goal is achieved. These next three examples explain how goals not only help you get what you want, but also improve your health.

1. Lowers Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, stress is one of many determining factors for obesity and depression/ anxiety. It cause the body to release excess cortisol, a hormone that manages fat storage and energy use in the human body and this can lead to many other health problems such as heart failure, high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, diabetes and acne. But setting goals provide focus and priority because they sort out your thoughts and utilize your time effectively which can relieve stress.

2. Raises Low Self–Esteem
Low self-esteem is known to be one of the elements to suicide and lack of success. It also leads to bullying because some people tend to dislike or envy others who contain characteristics they don’t have themselves. Goals provide a sense of agency (the belief that you have control over your life) which boosts your self-esteem. Most importantly, reaching a goal reassures your capability and purpose which is essential because many times in life we doubt ourselves, subsequently preventing you from trying or learning new things.

3. Holds Accountability
It is hard for people to change things that they don’t see as a problem they are control of. For example, if a kid receives an unsatisfactory grade and he blames everyone, from the teacher to the weather, instead of reflecting and admitting that he didn’t study then change can’t occur. Well, that is the same for everyone and since setting goals are internal, when they aren’t reached it signifies something within wasn’t applied correctly or completely. This gives us time to reflect and try again until that goal is achieved. Growth is reflected in this process, benefiting mental health.

Your heart will thank you!
Your heart will literally and figuratively thank you for incorporating goals into your life. As previously stated, there are a plethora of health diseases that come from stress alone. So, by incorporating goals into your life you can reduce the risk of heart attack and also love yourself more.

Written by: Candace Mitchell