7 Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Goals

 

Goals are very powerful. Most importantly, they provide us with a target. What’s the likelihood of accidentally accomplishing something that makes your life much better?

 

Great accomplishments require intention. Having intention with goal-setting keeps your mind sharp and searching for solutions. As Les Brown said, “Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.”

 

Of all the things we learn in school, most of us were never taught how to set an effective goal. For the best results, avoid these 7 goal-setting mistakes:

 

1.      Setting too many goals. Instead of having a multitude of goals, try setting 1-3 highly meaningful goals. When you have a history of success, increase the number of goals you’re simultaneously pursuing.

 

·        Too many goals can be overwhelming and spread your resources too thin.

2.      Choosing goals that aren’t highly meaningful to you. If you’re going to limit yourself to a single goal, it’s especially important to choose one that’s highly desirable to you and will have a great impact on your life.

 

·        The more you want it, the more likely you are to aggressively pursue it.

3.      Expecting things to go smoothly. A highly desirable and meaningful goal is unlikely to be reached quickly and easily. Expect a few speed bumps along the way.

 

·        Keep a positive attitude and simply assess the situation when things don’t go the way you had hoped. Change your approach and try again.

·        Using this process to move closer and closer to your goal, regardless of the circumstances, how could you not be successful?

4.      Setting an unreasonable timeline. Things always seem to take longer than we expected. Try to be realistic and set a deadline that’s reasonable and takes into account a few challenges along the way.

 

·        By not giving yourself enough time, you’re risking the possibility that you’ll feel discouraged when you don’t complete your goal on time.

5.      Failing to measure your progress. Imagine having a weight loss or financial goal but never weighing yourself or measuring your income. You’d never know where you stood relative to your goal. Review your progress on a regular basis.

6.      Setting goals that take too long. It’s much easier to stay focused on goals that are limited to around 12 weeks.

 

·        If you have a goal that will take longer than three months, determine where you would expect to be in 90 days and make that your goal. Big goals are likely to require several smaller goals that ultimately lead to its completion.

7.      Not having a clear endpoint. An effective goal is measurable and has a clear endpoint. For example, “making more money” isn’t an effective goal. A penny is more money. Would you be satisfied with that? Be as concise as possible. Ensure that you can measure your goal.

 

A goal is a gateway to a better life. As Tony Robbins said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

 

But setting effective goals takes practice, and it’s important to avoid making these common goal-setting mistakes. Avoid these mistakes and you will greatly increase the odds of realizing success!

 

P.S. Did you know that we offer a strengths-based goal-setting workshop? Contact us at melanie@mocoleadership.com to discuss a customized training for your team.

Use Your Gifts!

Melanie Massey Groves and Brian Russell with MoCo: Leadership, Strengths, and Culture Coaching

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