…and how to ditch them for good
Are you trying to make changes in your life but feeling stymied by goal-setting myths? Do you ever wonder if setting goals is worthwhile? You are not alone if this sounds familiar. Goal setting is a popular topic, especially during this time of the year, but it can be fraught with misconceptions. In this article, I will debunk the top five goal-setting myths and offer practical advice on how to get rid of them for good. Continue reading to learn how setting goals can help you achieve your dreams and realise your full potential.
- Your Goals must be in writing!
Not entirely true, you can have unwritten goals.
You know what? When I wrote the last book – Bruwaa, which I published last year, I didn’t have a goal of writing it but once I thought about it, I wrote it and published it!
You should have a goal, but your goal doesn’t necessarily have to be in writing. For achieving goals, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You can still make your goal, even if it isn’t written down.
- Goals have to be big to be worthwhile
One of the biggest myths about goal setting is that you need to have big, lofty goals for them to be worthwhile. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hey, smaller goals can often be just as effective and, sometimes, more achievable.
Big goals can seem intimidating and overwhelming, which can prevent us from even starting. Breaking down our goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help us stay on track and make progress. Plus, achieving those smaller goals can give us the confidence boost we need to keep going.
Rather than setting an ambitious goal like ‘start a business’ or ‘get a promotion’, set smaller goals that are related. For example, if your ultimate goal is to start a business, your smaller goals could include researching potential business ideas, writing a business plan, or finding a mentor who has experience in the field. Each of these tasks should have a specific time frame attached to them so you can track your progress.
By breaking down your goals into smaller steps, you’ll still be working toward the same end goal but without feeling overwhelmed.
- You need to know exactly what you want
Setting goals can often seem intimidating because you feel like you have to know exactly what you want before you even start. But that’s not the case at all! You don’t have to have a perfect plan for achieving your goals in order to start the journey.
Truth is, it’s perfectly normal – and recommended – to start with a general idea of what you want and then build from there. When you don’t have all the answers, don’t let that stop you from getting started. You can always adjust and refine as you go.
Start by writing down the outcome that you want. What do you ultimately want to achieve? Once you’ve identified that, ask yourself some questions: What resources or skills do I need to reach my goal? What steps do I need to take to get there? Who can help me?
These questions will help you develop a clearer picture of what you need and how to get there. As you answer each question, jot down any ideas or insights that come up. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. This is just an opportunity to gather more information so that you can move forward.
Your goal doesn’t have to be perfectly defined when you start. As long as you have a clear idea of the outcome that you want, that’s all you need. The rest will come together as you go.
- You need to set a deadline – Goals must be time-bound!
One of the most common myths about goal setting is that you need to set a deadline for achieving them. Many people think that setting a goal without a deadline just isn’t enough and that there needs to be a specific time frame within which you must reach your goal.
However, this is not necessarily true. It’s important to understand that deadlines are just one part of the process of goal setting, and they are not always necessary. Having a rigid timeline can actually hinder your progress in some cases.
When setting goals, it’s important to take into consideration the time and effort it will take you to achieve them. If you have an unrealistic timeline, then you are more likely to become discouraged if you don’t reach your goal as quickly as you had hoped. Furthermore, if your timeline is too restrictive, it could also lead to burnout or even frustration as you try to cram too much into too little time.
On the other hand, having a loose timeline can be beneficial. Having an idea of when you’d like to achieve a goal gives you something to work toward, but it also allows you to adjust your plan if something unexpected comes up or if you realise that the timeline needs to change for any reason.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that deadlines should not be a source of pressure when it comes to goal setting. Rather, deadlines should be seen as a helpful tool for keeping you motivated and on track. Whether or not you decide to set a deadline for yourself depends on what works best for you and your situation.
- Once you set a goal, you can’t change it
What has become of your childhood dreams and high school goals?
One of the most common misconceptions about goal setting is that once they are set, they cannot be changed. This may appear to be logical, but it is simply not true. Goals are intended to be fluid and should be revised as needed.
Life does not always go as planned, and goals are no exception. Your goals exist to guide and keep you on track, but they do not have to be rigid or inflexible. If your circumstances change or you realise your goal isn’t as important or meaningful as you thought, you can modify it.
Change your goals without feeling guilty or embarrassed. It’s completely natural and expected. It can frequently make achieving your goals easier and more enjoyable. So, don’t let the fear of changing your goals stop you from pursuing the life you want.
Recommended reading:
Goals Are Dead! Simple Strategies for Achieving your Goals while Enjoying Life. https://amzn.to/3IwE8JG
Bernard is an Author, Speaker, Lecturer and Corporate Trainer, and is a brand strategist at BKC Consulting and runs the monthly Branding & Publishing Masterclass. Visit www.BKC.name
