My Goals for 2018 and Why You Should Always Have Goals

Introduction Hi everyone. My name is Penny Oliver and I am a graduate student in California. I recently learned about Steemit through my brother and decided to use this platform as a way to express my thoughts and advice. The topic that I would like to start my blog with is GOALS.

What Is a Goal?
A goal is an end result of an objective that one commits to achieve. Many famous people (such as J.K. Rowling and Stephen King) have goals which encouraged them to become as successful as they are today. I believe everyone should have a goal.

My Goals
Every birthday, I spend time to contemplate to myself of what I have done and what I could do better. This year, I came up with the following goals:
1. Graduate from school.
About a year back, I was working as a registered nurse in one of the top hospitals in the United States. I managed projects on the unit, joined the education council, and even presented my work outside of state. However, due to family matters, I returned home to help. Now, I’m back in school to improve my professional life and expand my intellect.

2. Be involved with a community. Believe it or not, I became very heavily involved with the Pokemon-Go community. I coordinated many raids for legendary Pokemon, but became bored and wanted more. My goal now is to become involved with the Steemit community and expand it! 😊

3. To always express appreciation and spread happiness. Working as a nurse helped me to understand that a simple thank you or a small compliment can brighten someone’s day. I want to continue to work on that!

Why Should You Always Have Goals?
There are so many reasons why you should have a goal. Here's my top five:

1. Having a goal is the first step in improving self. I believe that every person has the potential to be better. Making a goal is the first step to attempting change.
2. They provide a sense of independence. For the most part, some of us are stuck in 8 to 5 jobs wondering if there is anything better out there. Most of the time we follow what others want us to do (ex. complete tasks, get paid, go home). Goals push you to think farther beyond the herd of sheep that some of us are still stuck in!
3. Goals motivate you. Having a goal allows a drive that no other human can create. A goal allows you to focus all your energy into something you find as a priority.

4. They allow you to think ahead. When you create a goal, you’re also thinking about an action plan that is involved with that goal. While it may take some time to reach the appropriate result, you know the route to get there.
5. They simply make you happier. Current research has shown that setting goals increases self-fulfillment which in turn increases happiness.

So Steemit readers, it’s time for you to share with me. What are your goals? Thanks for reading! - P.O.