Why doesn’t everyone set goals?
Personal development authors, teachers and speakers for over 100 years have been extolling the virtues of goal setting as a key method of achieving our hearts desires. Yet it is estimated that only 3% of the population have clear, written goals. What are the reasons behind this paradox?
1.Awareness
Firstly, it’s a sad fact that the majority of people don’t realize the importance of goals. If you grew up in an environment where no-one had goals, or you spend time with a group of friends where goals are neither discussed nor valued, you can very easily reach adult life without knowing that your ability to set and achieve goals can have such an important effect on your life.
Think about it, how many of your close friends or family have clear and committed goals?
2.Knowledge
The second reason that many people don’t set goals is because either they don’t know how to or perhaps they think they have already have them. In reality, however, what they often have are a series of vague dreams or wishes like, “Be happy,” or “Make a lot of money.”
These wishes are not goals at all, but merely fantasies that are common to everyone. In our definition, a goal is something distinctly different from a wish. It is clear, written and specific. It can be quickly and easily described to another person. You can measure it, and you know when you have achieved it, or not.
Author and personal development expert, Brian Tracy, suggests that it is possible to take an advanced degree at a leading university without ever receiving one hour of instruction on goal setting. It is almost as if the people who determine the educational content of our schools and universities are completely blind to the importance of goal setting in achieving success later in life. Of course, if you never hear about goals until you are an adult, you will have no idea how important they are to everything you do.
3.The Fear of Failure
The third reason that people don’t set goals is because of the fear of failure. Failure can be both emotionally and often financially painful. Often however, the fear of failure is even more distressing and debilitating than the failure itself.
Everyone has experienced failure at some time. Each occasion, they resolve to be more careful next time and avoid failing in the future. They then make the mistake of unconsciously sabotaging themselves by not setting any goals at which they might fail. They end up going through life operating at a much lower level than their true potential.
If we stay within the ‘safe harbor of the known’ we will be protected from potential or actual failure, but will also be condemning ourselves to small lives of frustration and wondering, if only.
4. The Fear of Rejection
The fourth reason that people don’t set goals is because of the fear of rejection. People are afraid that if they set a goal and are not successful, others will criticize or ridicule them. This is one of the reasons why, when you begin to set goals, you should keep your goals confidential or only share with trusted supporters who will encourage you and, if necessary, keep you accountable.
Don’t tell just anyone. Let people see by your results and achievements what you have accomplished, but don’t tell them in advance. What they don’t know can’t hurt you.
The Goals Workshop process enables you to define, refine and set about achieving your goals using one of a kind software, goals book and audio session
Tags: goal achievement, goal setting, goals
Success Library | admin | 
January 18, 2010 11:09 am
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By Yahoouj, February 23, 2010 @ 3:25 am
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By Cialis, March 10, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
kzUYAk Excellent article, I will take note. Many thanks for the story!