Goal Setting Not Working? Here’s Why

As a coach, goal setting is one of the powerful tools that I use with clients to help them get to where they want to go. It all seems pretty simple, doesn't it? I mean, you figure out what you want, set your goal, put a deadline to it, and then take action. As you take action, you generate results, and can measure if you are moving closer to your goal. If you are, you keep going. If not, you change what you are doing and try again. So, if it is so simple, then why isn't it more successful?

The reason that goal setting often times doesn't work is that we often leave out the key component. That key component is why. If we don't attach a powerful why to each of our goals, we really have no chance of making them reality. The reason for this is that once we start to take action, we are going to run into problems, barriers, and our own fears. The only way that we can overcome these things is if we are determined enough to keep going. The only way we will keep moving forward is if we have a compelling reason to do so. If we have a powerful enough why, we will do what it takes to make it happen.

So, the challenge I have for you is this. Take some time out from your schedule to do some goal setting. Figure out what really gets you excited, what you really want, and write it down. Then, before you figure out how you are going to make your goal a reality, ask yourself why the goal is important to you. Get really specific. Make sure that your goal is what you really want. Now, put together your plan, execute it, and make adjustments as necessary to hit your goal. And when you hit a roadblock, go back to that powerful reason why you are doing what you doing. That should help you to keep moving forward and overcome your obstacles!

Happy Goal Setting!