Happy 2024! As we welcome in the New Year and wonder whether turkey can be safely reheated for a tenth time, our minds tend to turn to goal setting. Having clarity of intention is really important in achieving what we want. So how do we set and achieve our goals?

Understanding Goal Setting

I spent a couple of years working as an in-house sales trainer. We’d do a module on goal setting which was based around the SMART framework for goal setting. You’re probably familiar with it, but if not, the acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

The Limitations of SMART Goals

On paper, this all makes sense, but I couldn’t help but feel that this was only a small piece of the solution. There was no one in that room who didn’t want to be successful, so why weren’t they jumping out of their seats in excitement? If it's that easy, why do 80% of people fail to keep their New Year's resolutions by February?

Not only do people fail to keep their resolutions, but they succeed in taking a load of guilt, negative self-talk, and stress. In effect, they potentially put themselves in a worse mindset position.

Why Do People Fail to Achieve Their Goals?

So what’s going on? If you fail to hit your goals you’re just lazy, lack self-discipline, not capable, right? Well no. Perhaps you’re just a human being. Procrastination is much more complex than we often think.

The Key to Effective Goal Setting

If we’re able to define clear, authentic goals and focus our energy on achieving them in a sustained manner, then we can be unstoppable. The problem is, our energy is often drawn elsewhere.

Challenges in Maintaining Focus

Perhaps we’re focusing on the past. Some unresolved trauma, ruminating on past issues. We could be focusing all of our energy on the future, catastrophizing on what could go wrong. Or maybe we’re wasting time in the present. Trapped in unhelpful habits, addictions, or doing things which aren’t in alignment with our authentic self. Trying to appear to be someone we’re not can be exhausting!

Steps to Achieve Your Goals

1. Clarify Your Authentic Goals: If you want to be effective in achieving your goals, you’ve got to first be clear on what they really are. Who is the authentic you, and what do YOU really want? Are the goals yours or someone else's?

2. Free Up Your Energy: Next, you need to free up the energy required to work on these goals by working on yourself, taking intellectual control over your mind. Give yourself the headspace and energy to think with clarity, be creative, optimistic, and focused.

Conclusion

Do those two things and you’ll move mountains. If this resonates with you, email me for a chat: stephen@navigatethecurve.com