Hi Davit: To me goals are not a win or lose event. I don't think it is that black or white, not that "all or nothing" thinking. practically the same as wishes and plans. They are there to remind me and direct where I want to go, what I want to achieve, what I am interested in. And as Ashley wrote in her post, a great way to review, reassess your progress not so much toward the goal itself, but in yourself, what is important to you now, what have you learned, how have you grown. Goals can change. They are not written in cement. What was important to me a few months ago may not be as important to me this month. You get a feeling of confidence in yourself, that you are heading the right way, and also keeps you on track. I have both short-term and long-term goals. Some short-term goals are needed to fulfill the long-term goals. Such as doing each session in CBT, one at a time, perhaps one session per week. The long-term goal of this is to finish the program so you can put the pieces of the puzzle together, understand and heal.
What happens if I don't achieve a goal? Not necessarily sadness or guilt, probably disappointment. I'll have the opportunity to try again if I want to and I could make changes if I wanted to this time around.
As for lists, I love 'em! Nothing like a list with lines drawn through the finished jobs, projects, whatever it is. Doesn't have to have a time line (unless you're planning something with a fixed date or there's an urgency somewhere). Just feels good to see the concrete proof that I have progressed and achieved some of the things I wanted to get done.
Hope this explanation answers your interest.
Sunny