The Seven Pitfalls when Establishing Goals

Just about everybody has established goals in one form or another, but how many people are actually successful at accomplishing those goals? That is an easy one to answer: very few! I think everyone realizes how important it is to establish goals, but why is it that most of us fail trying to accomplish them? There are seven reasons why people fail:

1. They do not establish priorities before establishing goals. Establish only two i.e., career and health. Then treat everyday equally by focusing on your priorities first each day. Once priorities are set then establish goals

2. They do not live by a mental contract. This contract is established by training the mind. The contract sets you up with a framework for accomplishing goals, making it easier for you to avoid distractions and stay focused.

3. They do not take the time to think through their goals thoroughly. You should not just make them up after a few drinks at a New Year's Eve party.

4. They set goals that are outlandish and impossible to accomplish. Keep within your boundaries and make sure you set goals that are realistic.

5. They don't have a backup plan. Every goal should have several different options to attain successful completion. Always have a backup plan. Keep those wheels in motion by thinking of smarter and easier ways to complete goals ahead of schedule.

6. They establish goals but don't manage milestones. Once your goals have been established you need to focus on the small steps (milestones) to help you complete your goals.

7. They don't plan for emergencies when setting goal due dates very few plan for worst case scenarios. Emergencies will happen so build in the appropriate safeguards when setting completion dates.

Think of goals in this way: How long will it take to accomplish them? What will I have to sacrifice? What other areas of my life will this impact? Do I have a prayer of ever accomplishing this?

You should never have goals that depend on someone else for successful completion. Do not take this the wrong way: you still need your friends and colleagues in life, but you cannot use them as dependencies when trying to accomplish goals. There are no partnerships here. Remember the mirror: it's you against you. Placing dependencies on goals will surely lead to failure. You must own the goal in its entirety. Sure, it is a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders, but if something goes wrong, there is no one else to blame. You cannot control or manage the actions of others, only your own.

Whatever it takes...just do it! Hey, excuses are easy to make up - why this cannot be done or that cannot be completed. It's all bull! Do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal or to adhere to a prior commitment. Do not get into a habit of missing due dates.

It is difficult but not impossible! Trust me; it is all in the mind! Be tough and do not give your mind the opportunity to slack off. Even if milestones for a particular goal could slip and not affect the outcome, do not give in. Never let a milestone slide, whether it is a major one or a minor one. Always be ahead of the game.