By Glyn Hupalo
In the journey towards personal growth, goal setting plays a pivotal role in shaping our aspirations and accomplishments. However, there is a little more to it than just thinking of what you want and going for it. The type of goal you set can have a profound effect over whether you end up achieving it, and more importantly maintaining it long-term. This is because there are two fundamental types of goals that often come into play, emotional goals and behavioural goals. Without knowing which type of goal you are setting, you may unknowingly be hindering your achievement rather than setting yourself up for success. Read on as we delve into the distinctions between these two types of goals, explore their definitions, differences, and the impact they can have on the path to personal development.
Defining Emotional Goals
Emotional goals are deeply rooted in our feelings and desires. These goals are often linked to our emotional well-being or feeling good, and can include aspirations for happiness, satisfaction, or inner peace. While pursuing emotional goals seems essential for a fulfilling life, it's crucial to understand the inherent challenges in relying solely on them for personal growth.
Understanding Behavioural Goals
Behavioural goals, on the other hand, focus on actions and tangible steps we can take to achieve a desired outcome. These goals involve specific behaviours and habits that contribute to personal development. Unlike emotional goals, which are subjective and abstract, behavioural goals are concrete and measurable, making them more effective in guiding us towards success. In addition, people may often find that they achieve the feelings they desire such as feeling happier or less anxious as a byproduct of achieving behavioural goals.
The Process of Setting Emotional Goals vs. Behavioural Goals
Setting emotional goals often involves introspection and self-awareness, as individuals reflect on their emotional needs and desires. In contrast, the process of setting behavioural goals is more strategic, requiring a clear understanding of the actions and habits needed to achieve a specific outcome. By outlining actionable steps, individuals can transform their aspirations into attainable objectives. This is an important distinction to make because the feeling of happiness, an emotional goal, varies from person to person making it difficult to measure, observe and control. However, the action of going for a 30 minute walk each day, a behavioural goal, is concrete, observable and most importantly in the control of the individual who sets it as their goal. It’s also worth mentioning that after consistently achieving the goal of walking for 30 minutes a day, the individual who has set the goal may also experience feelings of happiness as a result of achieving their goal of walking.
Achievements of Emotional Goals vs. Behavioural Goals
As seen in the above example, emotional goals aim to contribute to a person's overall well-being, but they may lack the structure necessary for tangible success. Behavioural goals, on the other hand, offer a roadmap for achievement, promoting accountability and measurable progress. By aligning actions with aspirations and core values, individuals are more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment and sustained personal growth.
Increasing the Likelihood of Goal Achievement
Research suggests that individuals are more likely to achieve their goals when they focus on behavioural rather than emotional objectives. By shifting the emphasis from how they want to feel to what they can do, individuals gain a sense of control and direction. This shift in perspective empowers them to take actionable steps towards personal growth.
Transforming Emotional Goals into Behavioural Goals
Changing emotional goals into behavioural goals involves a shift from abstract desires to concrete actions. For example, instead of aiming to "be happier," one can set a behavioural goal such as "practice mindfulness for 10 minutes daily." This shift not only provides a clear action plan but also increases the likelihood of sustained happiness through consistent practice.
Examples of Emotional Goals and their Behavioural Counterparts
Let's consider an example to illustrate the transformation from an emotional goal to a behavioural goal:
- Emotional Goal: "Reduce stress and anxiety."
- Behavioural Goal: "Implement a daily 30-minute exercise routine and practise deep breathing exercises for 10 minutes each day."
By converting the desire for reduced stress into actionable steps, individuals can proactively work towards achieving emotional well-being through tangible behaviours. Emotional goals may often be created around a desire to stop or reduce something, whereas behavioural goals are based on the idea of the individual starting to do something as part of achieving their goal. So next time you are thinking about what you would like to achieve, pause a moment and consider the wording of your goal. Are you looking to achieve a feeling or start a course of action? Discovering this should indicate what type of goal you have set for yourself. In the event you have set an emotional goal, fear not, to convert it to a behavioural goal you can simply ask yourself, “what actions might I need to take in order to achieve this feeling?” But remember, if you are completing the actions to achieve a feeling it is still kind of an emotional goal. This can lead to problems because if you are unable to complete your actions, you in turn cannot reach the feeling you seek.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of personal growth, the distinction between emotional goals and behavioural goals is paramount. While emotional goals contribute to our overall happiness, behavioural goals provide the structure needed for effective goal attainment. By understanding the differences and transforming emotional aspirations into actionable steps, individuals can enhance their likelihood of success on the journey towards personal development. Embrace the power of behavioural goals and unlock your true potential for lasting change.
If you’d like some assistance understanding and setting goals that will be sustainable for you in the long term I’d love to work with you. As a counsellor and coach, working with my clients to set goals is a fundamental part of setting them up for success.
Learn more at www.feelhealgrow.co