We always hear about goal-setting and there is no shortage of books, articles, blog posts, podcasts, and videos on this topic.
When you read this content and watch the videos, it all seems so easy. Just write down my dreams, work out a plan, and set out to achieve my goals.
Why is it then that so many of us struggle to achieve our goals...if we don't just give up altogether?
Mistake #1: Our Goals Are Not Our Own.
We often desire to be successful or have the freedom of a successful online business or whatever your dream might be.
But this is also where you can fall into the first trap. You are in such a hurry. Instead of taking your time and thinking exactly what it is that you want, you just grab the first goal that some business-owner or anybody with influence throws in your lap.
They make these huge promises of how wonderful it will be if you achieve these goals...oh, and don't forget...they are normally so easy to achieve! Just follow these steps and you'll see, in no time...all your wildest dreams will come true.
What you do not take into consideration is that these goals aren't yours. It might be wonderful goals, even realistic and achievable, but they aren't your goals.
Am I saying you should never aim to achieve company goals or the goals of a group within a larger community? No! That is not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that you should try to find a company/group/organization whose goals are in line with those of your own.
If you just blindly start working towards company goals or the goals of someone else, it will be hard to remain focused and committed to those goals if you don't have a personal interest in it. Where is the fun in that? It will soon become a burden or just another job.
I have recently read an article about an extremely successful global company. I can't exactly remember who they were, but they are in the real estate business.
Whenever they interview a new candidate who wants to work for them, the interview is conducted in the following manner:
- They first explain the vision, mission, and goals of the company to the new candidate.
- Once that is done, they ask the candidate how the company can assist him/her to achieve his/her own personal goals now that the candidate knows what the company is all about.
- With that knowledge, the candidate can then make an informed decision whether he/she actually wants to continue with the interview or not. If the company cannot assist him/her to achieve his/her own goals, the interview is actually senseless.
This company is adamant that that is one of their secrets to their success. All their employees have a personal interest in the company and achieving the company's goals, seeing that it will assist them in also achieving their personal goals.
Conclusion: Do not blindly follow someone else's goals. Determine, set, and work towards your own goals.
Mistake #2: Setting Vague Goals.
Many people set out and start goals with great enthusiasm.
- "I want to have my own business"
- "I want to be financially free."
- "I want to be a millionaire."
These are all very good and ambitious goals to have. But, there is one problem. Clarity!
"I want to have my own business."
That's great. But what kind of business? Do you want to teach other people something that you are an expert in? Do you want to provide a service? Do you want an online business, and why?
Why? Yes, why...
You have to know your why. Firstly, maybe you want to help solve a problem. Maybe you have something new and unique. But you also need to consider what you want to get out of it.
Remember, no business just pops up overnight and runs itself. Have you considered the hours you will need to put in? Maybe one of the reasons for starting your own business is to have more free time with your loved ones. But this is another concept that we need to pay close attention too.
You see many advertisements (especially online) with the words "work whenever you want, wherever you want!"
With my emphasis on the "whenever you want"...this is true, but it can easily be misleading. "Whenever you want" does not mean "if you want". You will still have to work. The only benefit to this is that you can plan your own schedule. You can prioritize and work around your own schedule and not someone else's. But you still have to put in the work.
Is this business inline with your personal values, or are you just starting any business for the sake of being your own boss? If that is the case, that is just leaving one burden behind and starting with another one. You need to find purpose in what you do, and that purpose is not just being your own boss. Will you love and enjoy what you do?
"I want to be financially free."
That's great! But what exactly does financially free mean to you? It can mean something different to everybody.
For one person it can mean being debt-free and just living comfortably on a monthly salary (whether employed or self-employed). For the next person, it might mean a certain amount of money in investments or even in a bank account to ensure the same standard of living for the next 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or whatever if needed.
What exactly does financial freedom mean to you?
"I want to be a millionaire."
Once again, that's great! But by when do you want to be a millionaire and how are you going to get there?
Conclusion: Know what you want and be specific.
Mistake #3: Not Writing Your Goals Down.
Let's get the first obstacle out of the way here: this has nothing to do with the law of attraction or written goals that attract success or people to you...
I do believe that you can attract people, success, and many other things to you. But, it has a lot to do with your actions and what you do.
You can either attract people or push them away by the way you treat them.
You can attract successful people to you by showing your willingness to learn, to work, and treating people with respect.
You can attract success to you by your work ethic and self-discipline.
"Well", you may ask. "What does that have to do with writing down my goals or not?"
Writing down your goals is one of the things that needs to be done".
Writing down your goals is the first step in committing to your goals.
There is a well-known saying that says "a goal that is not written down is just a dream".
As soon as you write it down, it becomes something tangible. Before you write it down, you keep thinking about the big goal. But there is no structure, no plan.
The moment you write it down, you will start planning. You will start thinking about what you need to get done or the information you need for your business.
You will start thinking about what you need to get done, one small step at a time, in a specific order. It will become easier to set target dates and determine how long it will take to complete each step.
So, there you have it. Writing down your goals is not about the law of attraction. It is where the rubber hits the road. You start doing by taking action.
Conclusion: Write down your goals and take action.
The Time is Now.
Let's get down to business. Do at least one thing each day that will take you closer to your goal, but start doing it today.
Set your own goals. Be clear about your goals. Write them down and take action!
And lastly, have fun setting your goals and enjoy the journey!