What are your goals? This is probably not the first time you have heard someone ask you about your goals, but maybe this can be the first time you actually take the time to sit down and think about them thoroughly.

Goal setting does not have to be boring or daunting at all: try to change your perception of goals from being insurmountable mountains to rolling hills. It is fully rational that you might feel anxiety thinking distantly far into your uncertain future. If that is you, set smaller, shorter term goals. These goals can be as small as to get in the habit of doing laundry more often or to do homework as it is assigned rather than the night before. They can then grow as big as to land an internship opportunity at National Geographic Magazine (and no, those aren't three examples of my own personal goals I brainstormed before writing this!). No matter what you want to do, small or big, always be working towards something.

The following are the responses my friends gave me when I asked what their current goals were.

Read as much as I can.
Work towards transferring into the best college I can possibly transfer into.
Be okay with being alone.
Have better posture.
Do less talking and more listening.
Drink more water.
To touch my toes.
Start living a healthier lifestyle.
Find something (a hobby) I am dedicated to by the end of the summer.
Finish school on a good note.
Learn how to play the piano.

Positive Psychology Magazine tells us that setting goals can help us stay accountable for our failures and stay hopeful for our future selves--looking forward towards something you want to achieve helps remove unhealthy thought of the past while simultaneously giving you drive to accomplish all that you do everyday. In the exact same way that love gives you excitement for life, your goals give you the motivation to continue that love.

Taking time to set goals also forces you to deeply consider what you want in life. There are all sorts of personal, professional, or relationship goals that you can set; and, all of them help bring you towards a place you see yourself reaching someday. Having an ideal image of yourself may seem superficial or possibly non-self-loving BUT it is indeed the not. You can be content with who you are today in this moment while still striving toward something greater in the future. I would actually argue that setting goals for yourself would enhance self love because you are not only bettering yourself but you are also setting a high standard for yourself to reach the goal!