You Are the Leader of Your Journey

Do You Have Your Own Compass?

"If you do not have a goal, you will become part of someone else’s."

Imagine embarking on a journey without a clear destination, drifting wherever the wind takes you, unsure of where you will end up. Does this sound familiar? This is exactly what happens when you lack a well-defined goal in life. You might have an idea of what you want, but without a structured plan to achieve it, or worse, you may not have identified what you are striving for in the first place. In either case, the absence of goals makes a person reactive to circumstances rather than shaping them.

In a world full of challenges and opportunities, having a clear goal serves as a compass guiding your journey toward success. Those who fail to define their own path often find themselves following the plans of others rather than making their own decisions.

A Goal is More Than Just a Dream

Some believe that ambition alone is enough to achieve success, but reality proves otherwise. The difference between a dream and a goal lies in having a clear plan and continuous commitment. A vague wish leads nowhere, while a well-defined goal sets a clear path toward accomplishment.

For example, if you aspire to become a successful writer, merely dreaming about seeing your books in bookstores will not make it happen. However, setting a goal to write 500 words daily for a year will lead to completing your first book. The key difference here is that a goal is specific, measurable, and achievable within a structured timeline.

Without Goals, Are You Prepared to Follow Someone Else’s?

If you do not define your own goals, you may find yourself drifting aimlessly, influenced by external expectations instead of pursuing what truly aligns with your aspirations. Many individuals choose careers or fields of study not out of passion, but because they seem like the easiest option or are dictated by societal norms.

A question for reflection: Are you living according to your own vision, or merely responding to goals imposed by others?

The Impact of a Life Without Goals

A life without clear goals often leads to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future. You may find yourself moving from one job to another without a sense of progress or living each day in a monotonous routine, lacking motivation.

On the other hand, having a well-defined goal empowers you to take control of your life. Your daily decisions become aligned with your long-term aspirations. Consider someone stuck in a job they dislike but with a clear objective of transitioning into a new career. By actively developing skills, taking relevant courses, and networking within the industry, they gradually shift toward a job that aligns with their true passion.

Why Do You Need a Goal?

1. Confident Decision-Making – A well-defined goal clarifies your priorities, helping you avoid distractions that do not serve your future.
2. A Sense of Accomplishment – Each step taken toward your goal provides a sense of progress and motivation.
3. Self-Motivation – Goals fuel perseverance, allowing you to push through challenges with the knowledge that every effort brings you closer to success.

How to Set an Effective Goal?

Adopting the SMART Goals framework ensures that your goals are clear, actionable, and achievable:

1. Specific (S) – Clearly define what you want to achieve.
   Example: "I want to read 12 books this year, one per month."
2. Measurable (M) – Establish criteria to track progress.
   Example: "I aim to save 5,000 riyals within six months."
3. Achievable (A) – Set realistic goals that match your capabilities.
   Example: "I will improve my programming skills by enrolling in a three-month training course."
4. Relevant (R) – Ensure that your goal aligns with your values and career aspirations.
   Example: "I will learn a new skill that enhances my career in digital marketing."
5. Time-Bound (T) – Set a deadline to create urgency and prevent procrastination.
   Example: "I will write one article per week for three months to enhance my writing skills."

You Are the Leader of Your Journey

By setting personal and professional goals, life becomes more aligned with your aspirations. Without them, you risk living according to others' expectations rather than your own ambitions. Remember, you alone determine your path—invest your time and effort into shaping your future on your own terms.

Practical Steps to Get Started:

• Identify your passion – Ask yourself: What excites me and drives me to work toward something?
• Develop a realistic plan – Break down your goal into smaller, achievable steps.
• Commit to persistence – Success does not happen overnight; it belongs to those who continue striving.
• Stay adaptable but focused – Life is full of unexpected changes, so be flexible without losing sight of your direction.

You are in charge of your own decisions. You are the leader of your journey. So, when will you begin?