WHY MOST GOAL SETTING IS A WASTE OF TIME
(And what you can do about it.)
Research (Damon Burton, 1983) that has shown that those that set goals are happier, more confident and less stressed. Individuals that successfully identify clear, meaningful goals, and design a plan with the necessary support, can accomplish amazing things.
Unfortunately, for far too many people goal setting is a waste of time, because it simply does not work. There are many reasons for this, including:
·We set goals that don’t have the power to inspire us, so we simply don’t follow through. This often happens when we let others (parents, partners, society, etc.) set our goals.

·We set goals without specifics. (An intention to lose weight or change careers is not a plan that will translate into successfully achieving your goal.)

·We lack the necessary support structure to reinforce the new behavior needed to accomplish the goals. (Intention alone does not change behavior. It is through an ongoing structure of support and accountability that we grow, change our behavior and accomplish new goals.)
If you are serious about making some powerful changes, and want to set achievable goals that are truly meaningful to you, here are some guidelines:

1.Create Space – Meaningful goals require change. Change requires time, effort, attention and growth. If you are already running at 100% capacity, you will not have the time or energy needed. Let go of enough non-essential tasks to create the space you need to sustain change.

2.Get Clear On What Is Important To You – Before you invest in committing to a significant goal, take some time to get clear on what is really important to you. For example, you might think you want a promotion, but if that promotion will take you further away from your family, the promotion may not be in alignment with what you really value. When you know what is truly important to you, it is easy to create goals for yourself that will result in far more fulfillment.

3.Generate A Plan with Specific Goals- Once you have a clear vision of what you are working towards, break it into smaller, more manageable stages and prioritize them. Don’t try to do too much all at once and make sure to be specific. (I want to get in shape is a weak and non-specific goal. I commit to go for 3 thirty-minute runs a week, is a clear, tangible goal.)

4.Leverage Your Strengths – When you go about pursuing goals, it is important to know what your strengths are, and build on them. Collectively we focus far too much energy on our weaknesses and shortcomings (which make us feel powerless) rather than focusing on the strengths and talents that empower us.

5.Keep Focused – It is the intensity and frequency of our attention that reinforces the new perspectives and thought patterns that support our new behaviors. Do not try to make major changes all by yourself. Create a strong support structure around you that will keep you on track, accountable, and moving forward past all the inevitable challenges.

Steve Mitten B.ApSc, CPCC, MCC, of ACOACH4U.COM is the Past-President of the International Coach Federation. He is a Master Certified Coach and an expert on human potential and change. Steve has helped thousands of leaders; entrepreneurs and independent professionals find the fastest and most enjoyable route to accomplish meaningful goals. Life Coaching Site Executive Coaching Site Business Coaching Site

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