Having problems accomplishing the personal goals you set for yourself? Goal-setting is a powerful tool that can be utilized to convert our dreams into reality. It motivates us and spurs us on to accomplish things we never thought were possible. However, when done incorrectly or made for the wrong reasons, it can cause morale to drop as goals become impossible to accomplish. Moreover, the drive and focus that were once there will often be replaced by negativity.
One reason for such a circumstance can be due to the poor ways your goals may have been set. Let us take a look at how personal goals, examples of where they go wrong stated, can be hard to achieve.
Unrealistic Goals
Since young, we have been told to reach for the stars. So, naturally, when it comes to setting standards for ourselves, we aim high. It is also tempting to think that we may be able to accomplish something of that magnitude within the given time frame. Unfortunately, goals are not accomplished by goal-setting. They are accomplished by the skills, talents, time and energy we invest in them. If you overestimate any one of these aspect of yours, then, the goal you set for yourself will be unrealistic and hence, unachievable.
Small Time Frame
Did you allow yourself enough time to realize your goals? You should have had ample time to strategize on how you planned to meet your goals. There should also have been some room to review your performance, which is key to successful goal-setting.
No Review
As mentioned above, reviewing your performance is a crucial aspect in setting goals. Doing so both encourages you, when you learn of your positive performance, and tells you whether the goal you set has been realistic. If you find it is the latter, you can always make changes to it such that it will be possible for you to meet the goal. Introducing sub-goals is a good way of reviewing your performance and knowing you’re on the right track.
Too Many Goals
If you try to be a Jack of all trades, expect to be the master of none. Every goal will need a certain amount of time and effort invested into them. When you create too many goals, your attention is divided and your focus lost. Instead of picking the quantity of goals, select a maximum of three goals which you know you will be able to give your all too. That way, your time and energy can be focused in meeting these goals successfully.
Negative Goals
Word your goals positively. Goals that have a negative connotation to them can make it harder for you to accomplish them. For example, instead of saying “Don’t fail math,” say “I will study regularly to pass math with a score of 50% or above.” Wording it this way helps in making you want to meet your goal. You no longer feel dreadful about the scenario you don’t want happening.
Others’ Goals for You
While it is true that your boss or family members may know about your strengths and potential, it is unwise to let them influence your goals drastically. If you know you cannot accomplish a certain goal within a short time span, let them know about it. Goals which are incompatible with you will only serve to create more frustration and stress to you as well as the others involved.
Rejecting Failure
When we make goals, we don’t normally do it to see ourselves fail. At least on the first day, we want to be able to see the goal through. However, such is the practice of goal-setting where it is fairly common for goals not to be met. Sometimes, they are too unrealistic; other times, you may not have given yourself more time for it. Regardless, success always starts with failure. One shouldn’t be afraid to fail. In fact, you should anticipate failure as a possible consequence when embarking on something new. The most important thing is to bounce right back, create a new strategy and hope to accomplish the goal the next time.
Other Factors
When creating goals, it is also important to identify the driving force behind the goals. You cannot create goals simply to impress others. By now, we are all too familiar with unrealistic goals. The mental and emotional stress that arises as a consequence is also something you mustn’t treat with lightly. Neither should you expend all your efforts into goal-setting and do little about achieving the goal itself. In order to reach goals successfully, both areas should be executed properly.
If you have any on-going personal goals, spend a moment to check with these examples to see if you have committed any of the mistakes. If you have, correct them. For an effective goal-setting, you can always compare your goals against SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based.
