One of the greatest failures of modern education is that it never taught us how to set goals. Schools teach us math, history, and science, but the very skill that could help us build a meaningful and successful “life goal setting” is nowhere to be found in the curriculum.

Psychologist and professor Jordan Peterson understood this gap deeply. Through his research and teaching, he demonstrated just how transformative setting goals can be for creating momentum and shaping the life we want to live.

The Experiment That Shocked Everyone

In one of his university experiments, Peterson conducted a simple yet powerful exercise. During a 90-minute lecture, he asked students to think deeply about their future, to set goals for themselves, and to map out a path to achieve them.

The results were astonishing. Students who participated in the exercise experienced dramatic improvements. The dropout rate for those students fell significantly—Peterson has shared online that dropouts were reduced by over 30%. Even more remarkable was the impact on male students with a foreign background, who saw some of the most profound gains in academic performance and personal motivation.

This experiment highlights something that should be obvious: setting goals gives people purpose, direction, and resilience.

Why People Avoid Setting Goals

As a coach and mentor, I see this hesitation all the time. People resist setting goals, especially ambitious ones. The excuses are almost always the same:

• “I don’t like to pressure myself.”
• “I’ve always just done things this way.”
• “I’m afraid I’ll fail.”

But let me tell you this: not setting goals might feel easier in the moment, but it’s a trap. Without goals, you have no clear plan. You can’t fail because there’s nothing to achieve, but you also can’t succeed. You’re stuck.

Success isn’t about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the effort, and the growth you experience while working toward something meaningful. Goals aren’t just about the outcome—they’re about the person you become along the way.

Why Goals Create Fulfillment

When you set a goal, you give yourself a challenge. Challenges push you to grow, to develop skills, and to overcome obstacles. That’s where real fulfillment comes from—not from sitting still but from striving, learning, and achieving.

Think about it this way: Imagine a soccer game with no goalposts. You’re just kicking the ball around aimlessly. Sure, it’s fun for a while, but eventually, it feels pointless. Goals give life structure, purpose, and direction.

Let’s Set Goals Together

Here’s a simple exercise to get you started.

1. Think about your best friend. Where would you like to see your friend in five years? Imagine him or her happy, fulfilled, and thriving.
2. What steps could he/she take today? What small actions would move them closer to that future?
3. Why is this important? What makes this vision meaningful for your friend?

Now here’s the twist: that best friend is your future self.

Start thinking about yourself the way you think about someone you deeply care about. Encourage yourself when you’re struggling. Celebrate your wins. Push yourself to grow because you deserve the best version of yourself.

3 Quick Questions

1. When was the last time you set a clear, ambitious goal for yourself?
2. What small steps could you take today to move closer to your ideal future?
3. How do you celebrate your wins and support yourself when things get tough?

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