We all set goals. Some are big and juicy and inspiring. (I want to be an astronaut when I grow up!) Others are more mundane. (I want to floss!) But regardless of the size and scope, our goals will never be anything more than a source of guilt if we can’t make them happen.
Whether you’re dreaming big or just trying to make steady progress, if you don’t set the right goals you’ll never get to the place you want to be. In order to do this, sometimes you have to admit that what you’re doing isn’t working and tackle the source of the issue. That being said, here are 4 problems with the goals you’re setting:
1. Your motivation sucks
Don’t just set a goal because you think it makes you look good on social media or because you’re trying to impress someone. Set goals that are meaningful to you and achievable with the right balance of sacrifice so you make sure to complete them.
We all want to be cool, and we all struggle with wanting to do things we see other people do. But goals ought to be personal. Make sure you know why you’re doing what you’re doing and it will make your goal that much easier to achieve.
2. You’re all talk and no action
It doesn’t matter how good your goals look on paper if you never manage to reach them. Don’t be one of those people who declares your intention and then doesn’t follow through. Nothing is more annoying or transparent. Everyone can tell if you’d rather get the credit than actually do the work. Set your goal, take steps to complete it, and then don’t solicit too much praise.
3. You quit too often
If you’ve set your goals correctly—and you have the passion to persevere—then you should have a pretty clear idea what your goal is going to require. You’re prepared to struggle and to stare down doubt. You’ve seen the hard parts coming. Part of this means setting goals that matter to you enough to keep up your devotion to them when the going gets toughest.
4. You’re intimidated
Maybe your goals aren’t grand enough. Are you too scared to try for what you really want? Does fear of failure (or success) hold you back from what you truly want to do? If so, take a lesson from the most fearless entrepreneurs and set off boldly into the unknown. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the what-ifs. Steer into the dizzying direction of your wildest dreams. Do what scares you most—it’s often exactly what you should be doing.
