Starting a new year often brings with it a sense of renewal and the desire to set and achieve new goals.
However, it is important to approach goal setting with care, as there are some mistakes that people often make that can impede their progress and the achievement of their goals.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of mistakes to avoid when setting goals to start a new year:
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Set unattainable goals
It’s important to think big and challenge yourself, but you also need to be realistic about what you can achieve.
Setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to disappointment and a lack of motivation to continue the journey to achieve them.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, setting unrealistic goals was one of the most common reasons for failure to achieve them.
Therefore, it is important to find pleasure and satisfaction in the process of moving towards your goals, rather than focusing your attention solely on the end result.
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Not being specific
Vague or overly general goals are difficult to measure and can make it hard work to stay motivated to achieve them.
Instead, make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART goals) an American acronym where each letter stands for a step in building a properly structured goal.
See what each SMART letter/step means:
S — Specific, or specific
M — Measurable, or measurable
A — Attainable
R — Relevant
T — Time-based, or temporal
After setting your goal, write each of these steps on paper, this tool will help you stay focused on the right path.
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Not having a plan
Just stating your goals is not enough.
Planning is a fundamental practice that you need to do so that you can achieve your dreams.
This might include breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks, setting deadlines, and identifying any resources or support you might need.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, having a plan in place can increase the likelihood of reaching your goals by up to 42%.
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Not tracking progress
It’s important to regularly check in on your progress to see how you’re doing and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.
Without tracking your progress, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and become discouraged.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous quote says, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you choose to be.”
By regularly (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly) checking in on your progress, you can stay motivated and on track to become the person you want to be.
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Not being flexible
While it’s important to have a plan, it’s also important to be flexible and adapt to changes as they arise.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and being able to handle the blows and adjust your goals as needed can be crucial to your success.
Remember: “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be broken!”
By being flexible and open to change, you can remain nimble and better able to tackle any challenges that may come your way.
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Not celebrating your achievements
It’s worth celebrating when you reach each of your goals!
Don’t forget to take the time to appreciate your evolution and the progress you’ve made.
This can help boost your motivation and keep you moving forward.
Take time to celebrate your wins (however small), and keep moving towards your goals.
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Not being specific about the “why”
Knowing the reason behind your goals is crucial to motivation and staying on track.
Without a clear understanding of why you’re pursuing a certain goal, it can be easy to lose sight of its importance and give up when the going gets tough.
As Simon Sinek says: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it and what you do simply proves what you believe. In fact, people will do the things that prove what they believe.”
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Not setting a deadline
Deadlines can be a powerful motivator, but it’s important to set realistic deadlines.
If you set a deadline too early, you can become overwhelmed and discouraged.
On the other hand, if you set a deadline too far into the future, you may lose motivation and become less likely to follow through.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, setting a deadline can increase the likelihood of reaching a goal by up to 25%.
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Not seeking support
Achieving your goals is often easier with the support of others.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or even a coach or mentor for help and encouragement along the way.
There is evidence that having social support can increase the likelihood of achieving goals by up to 95%.
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Not being consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to achieving your goals.
It’s important to work regularly to achieve them and stay committed, rather than trying to make up for lost time with sporadic efforts.
As Malcolm Gladwell’s famous quote says, “It takes about ten thousand hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field.”
Consistently putting in the work and effort is essential to achieving mastery and achieving your goals.
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Not being flexible with your goals
It’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, but it’s also important to be open to the possibility that your goals might change along the way.
As you progress and learn more about yourself and what you want out of life, your goals can evolve.
Be open to adjusting your goals as needed to ensure they remain aligned with your values and what matters most to you.
As you work to reach your goals, be open to the possibility that the change you want to see may involve adjusting your goals.
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Not rewarding yourself
Reaching your goals is hard work, and it’s important to give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made.
Rewarding yourself along the way can help keep you motivated and focused.
Don’t forget to recognize yourself for all your dedication and hard work.
By avoiding these common mistakes and being aware of the importance of setting specific, realistic and well-planned goals, you can increase your chances of success in the new year.
Remember to track your progress, seek support, and be flexible and consistent in your efforts.
And don’t forget to celebrate your successes and reward yourself along the way!
