How to Set Goals that Hit Different

Goal setting is one skill that seems like a no-brainer, right? In reality it’s often overlooked, avoided or goals are set too attainable (Don’t worry I’m going to explain what I mean.). Although goal setting is something we are told to do, I see it done ineffectively way too often.

Goal setting is often overlooked.

How many times have you thought about what you want to achieve or accomplish and that was it? There is your goal. You thought about it, and now you’re good to go.

Thinking about it is great. But as the kids say these days “it hits different” when your goal is written down and you lay out a plan to achieve that goal.

Writing it down makes you automatically accountable for your goal. When you write it down, it becomes real that this is really what you want to achieve and this is what you’re really going to work towards.

And don’t forget about the plan. While writing it down makes it real, creating a plan takes your goal to that next level of “realness”.

Your goal plan is like your own personal tour guide to achievement. Like a tour guide, your plan will tell you what’s on the itinerary. You’ll know what you need to do, how you need to show up, and the mindset needed to achieve your goal.

There are also people who want to set goals. They know the benefits, but they avoid it. Why?

Oftentimes there is a fear of failure. The thought that if they don’t set a goal, they can’t disappoint themselves or others. Or maybe they didn’t achieve a previous goal so now they think “what’s the point?” because they believe they aren’t ever going to achieve their goal.

Fact is, setbacks, obstacles and failure are NORMAL when going after your goals. We always see others celebrating once a goal is achieved, but you hardly ever see the obstacles and failures they had along the way. And spoiler alert: you WILL face adversity along the way!

So rather than avoiding your goals, write out what obstacles you might face along the way. What are the worries, doubts and fears you have when you think about your goal? Write it all out. Then, create a plan to overcome those obstacles, doubts and worries. And, take time to believe that you will overcome any obstacle. Believe that you will achieve your goal. Believe with a “no doubt about it” attitude.

Now I know most goal setting gurus will tell you to “set attainable goals”.

While I (sort of) agree with this, I want you to ask yourself if you’re selling yourself short? Are you lowering your goal to be attainable just to ensure that you do achieve it? Are you only setting goals that you know for certain you can achieve?

If you are, then you are holding yourself back from being the athlete you really want to be. If deep down you want to go for more and reach higher, but you talk yourself out of going for what it is you really want to go for, then you are holding yourself back.

Don’t talk yourself out of what you really want! Set goals that you are excited about, not goals that you have to talk yourself down to.

As a mental performance coach I know the importance of setting goals. It’s such a key aspect to success. No matter who you are or what you’re working towards, goals are beneficial if they are done right.

Ready to set goals that “hit different”? Schedule a consultation today!