Why other people don’t set goals

There have been numerous studies which have demonstrated the value of Goal Setting in the achievement of success, yet it is estimated that only 3% of us have clear written goals. This article examines what prevents the majority of people from setting goals.

 Why people do not set goals – 1. Lack of awareness

 Firstly, it is evident that most people cannot realise the importance of goals. This is perhaps understandable if, for example, you grow up in an environment where no-one had goals, or you spend the bulk of your time with a group of friends where goals are neither discussed nor valued.

 We will tend to learn from the books we read and the people we associate with. If you are not exposed to the principles of goal setting you may potentially go through life without ever realising how powerful they can be.

 Why people do not set goals – 2. Lack of Knowledge

 The second reason that many people don’t set goals is because either they don’t know how or sometimes think they have them already, when in reality, they have a series of vague dreams or wishes like, “Be happy,” or “Make a lot of money.”

 These however, are not goals at all but merely fantasies that are common to nearly 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.

 Why people do not set goals – 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 can end up going through life functioning at far lower levels may be truly possible for them.

 If we stay within the ‘safe harbour of the known’ we will be protected from potential or actual failure, however we will also be condemning ourselves to small lives of frustration and wondering, what if.

 Imagine success and failure either side of a swinging pendulum. If the pendulum points straight down, in the neutral position we will most likely be protected from failure, but at the cost of not experiencing success. The further the pendulum is pushed to the failure side, the further it can swing back to success.

 Why people do not set goals – 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 a secret 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. As Brian Tracy says “What they don’t know can’t hurt you”.

To find out how using goal setting software can propel you towards success, further information is available from The Goals Workshop.

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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

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Goal Setting Software

The Goals Workshop is a new approach to goal setting and goal achievement. The programme uses a blend of a comprehensive guidebook, audio coaching session and interactive goal setting software, to bring you the results you need.

Here is a video of my new goal setting software in action.

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