Goal setting for lucid dreaming

Just a random thought, but how does goal setting usually work out for lucid dreaming. For example if I wanted to get at least 2 LDs by the end of the week, then would it be effective to have it as a goal. The reason I ask this question is because I already know that setting goals in real life is already usefull and has worked many times, but setting a goal for becoming lucid would be different because youre asleep and it would be harder to carry out such and action while unconcious. By reading about other methods I realized that this is like MILD, but different. So has any already done something similar to this because if so, then please say how it worked and what you did.:)

If you make it a goal to have a certain dream experience, then you will be more focused on achieving that goal, and it will be on your mind when you fall asleep.
For example, if you firmly decide for yourself that you are going to try flying in a dream, then you will think about that a lot and have a much greater chance of actually having a dream like that.
The same method can also be used for the goal "to recognize the dreamstate" of course, which is basically a lucid dream.

I think it would be more effective to set goals you can control while awake. Goals that will help you in the path to getting lucid such as "10 dream journal entries by the end of the week" or "read something new about lucid dreaming each night before I play any video games."

Priming your mind is key for lucid dreaming. The content of your dreams is usually a combination of past experiences and thoughts as well as the more recent events of your life. Therefore, when performing your reality checks throughout the day it might be helpful to also remind yourself of your lucid dreaming goals as well.

Also, It's good to a have a goal for the number of lucid dreams you want to have per week, but it's also helpful to have daily goals that will increase your chances of having LDs.

It's like an archer you wants to win a trophy. If he sets his eyes on the trophy but doesn't look at the target, he'll miss. In order to win the trophy you must focus on the target.

Similarly with lucid dreaming, don't spend too much of your attention on the number of lucid dreams you want to have. Focus on the set of actions and behaviors that will lead to long term success.

Here are some of the daily goals I have to help with my lucid dreaming practice:
- Keep a dream journal
- Perform 5-10 reality checks
- Meditation for 20 minutes
- Prepare your mind for lucid dreaming before bed (eg. what do you want to accomplish in your dreams)
- Practice a lucid dreaming technique (eg. MILD, WILD, WBTB, etc. )

By performing all of the above tasks I am constantly priming my mind for lucid dreaming, and thus increasing my chances of having one.

What I have noticed is very effective for remaining in the game is to set one high goal and then set low goals and low expectations to get there.

This actually has more to do with motivation, but is still touching the goal setting process. And this idea might save you lots of pain and frustration.

However perhaps the pain and frustration is necessary in order for this tip to be effective but here goes:

Have LOW expectations and you will never feel bad. And as sivasion said (which is a stoic beautiful thought) Only focus on what you can CONTROL.

For example I aim high and my goal is to eventually be able to lucid dream every night by having the knowledge of how to do just that.

However it's not realistic for me to think that I will learn that in a week, a month or even a year.

So what I do is that I focus on what I can control which is for example, consistent practise with a method that I like.

While doing this I just observe my experience and do not expect to get some grandiose result.

The only goal is to practise with consistency.

My choice of approach to this is meditation, so my goal is not: to get a lucid dream through meditation. Or to get some cool experience through meditaiton.

My goal is: Meditate daily and nightly regularly. Or as a more concrete goal: 30 days, 90, days etc.

If I achieve these I am happy, that is my own criteria of success.

However now when I have set this criteria of which that I am in control of, I will not hesistate to beat myself up if I violate this.

But as long as I stay on my path I trust the process and that it will turn out for the best.

Over time I can evaluate if this is an effective approach or not, but NOT from the get go.

So formulate a plan of controlable actions that you believe in and aim for conistency.

You can compare this to working out. If you spend more time evaluating your work out routine than the time you actually spend training, it doesn't matter what plan you have. The key is conistency, have this thought: If I actively practise this for 11 years EVERY day it's IMPOSSIBLE to not improve.

Hope this helps and have fun! :)