Goal Setting is Overrated: The Surprising Truth About Achieving Success
Written by Rod on September 13, 2024
We’ve all been taught the importance of setting goals. From the moment we enter the workforce, we’re encouraged to write down our dreams, visualize our success, and set lofty goals that push us towards greatness. But what if I told you that goal setting, as we traditionally know it, is overrated? Today, we’re diving into the surprising truth about achieving success and how shifting your focus can transform your career trajectory.
Goals Without Action Plans and Dates Are Just Dreams
Let’s start with a harsh reality: goals without action plans and deadlines are nothing more than dreams. Writing down your aspirations is the easy part. When those aspirations aren’t connected to a strong answer to the question ‘why’, we falter on the next step, creating the ‘how’. With a strong answer to ‘why’ these are important, the challenge of breaking those goals into actionable steps and committing to a timeline flows like water.
Imagine you set a goal to double your income in the next year. Without a detailed action plan, this goal remains a fantasy. You need to identify specific actions, such as acquiring new skills, seeking mentorship, or expanding your network, and attach deadlines to these actions. This transforms a vague goal into a roadmap to success. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Huge Goals Are Actually Milestones, Not Goals
Often, we set monumental goals and feel overwhelmed by their magnitude. But here’s the kicker: those huge goals are better viewed as milestones along your journey rather than end points. Instead of fixating on the end result, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks that you can do TODAY.
Take the example of writing a book. Instead of setting the goal to “write a book,” break it down: “write a chapter a week,” “draft the outline,” “research for each chapter,” and so on. Each smaller step is a milestone that brings you closer to the final achievement and gives you something to achieve today. This approach reduces overwhelm and keeps you motivated as you tick off each milestone.
Daily Actions: Moving 1% Closer Every Day
Success isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistent, daily actions. Strive to move 1% closer to your goal every day. This might seem insignificant, but the power of compounding progress is tremendous. Over time, these small, consistent actions accumulate and propel you forward. 1% improvement each day means 365% this time next year.
For instance, if you want to become a better public speaker, commit to practicing for just 15 minutes each day. This daily habit will significantly improve your skills over a year. The key is consistency. Small actions performed consistently lead to big results.
If It’s Worth Doing, It Should Be Measured and Reviewed
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. If something is worth doing (and you know why!), it’s worth tracking your progress and regularly reviewing it. This allows you to adjust your strategies and stay on course. Take a look at least once per week. Use what you find to sharpen your approach and increase momentum.
Create metrics for your goals. If your goal is to improve client satisfaction, measure it through surveys and feedback. Set weekly reviews to assess what’s working and what isn’t. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement and keeps you aligned with your objectives.
The Power of Adaptability and Resilience
One of the most important qualities in achieving success is adaptability. Life is unpredictable, and rigid plans can often lead to frustration. Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as circumstances change. What you tried didn’t work the first time? Welcome to the human race. If the goal is REALLY important and you MUST do it, think of it like a child learning to walk. How many times should the child fall down before mastering the ability to walk upright? As many times as it takes.
Think of your journey like a GPS system. When you encounter a roadblock, you don’t abandon your destination. Instead, you find an alternate route. Similarly, when you face setbacks, adapt and find new ways to move forward. Resilience in the face of challenges is what separates successful individuals from the rest.
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Finally, success is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. Enjoy the process, celebrate small wins, even embrace how failures improved you, and learn from every step. This mindset shift from outcome-focused to process-focused not only reduces stress but also makes the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.
The Take Away
Goal setting is a powerful tool, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. By focusing on action plans, viewing large goals as milestones, committing to daily progress, measuring and reviewing your actions, and staying adaptable, you pave the way for real, sustainable success.
So, next time you set a goal, remember: it’s the daily actions, the consistent efforts, and the adaptability that will ultimately lead you to triumph. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and watch how these small actions compound into extraordinary achievements.
Coach Rod is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s transform those dreams into tangible success, together.
