Why Too Many People Fail To Follow Through On Goals
Are you tired of setting personal goals and never following through? You are most definitely not alone!
Many people struggle to turn aspirations into reality. If we want to move past this INACTION, we have to ask ourselves: Why is this such a common obstacle?
Here are some of the top reasons people fail to achieve their personal goals (consider which are affecting you as you read through… and determine if you can commit to doing something different starting TODAY):
- 1. Lack of motivation: Without a clear sense of why a goal is important, it can be difficult to stay committed and take action. Add to this issues with health and wellbeing, and you’ve got a mind, body and spirit that are out of balance and unmotivated. It’s not just our thoughts affecting motivation… but one’s holistic health as well.
- 2. Lack of clear and specific goals: It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure success. There is no one right way to do this. Different people have different measures of success. But without some measurement of some sort, how will you ever know you’ve done it (so you can feel good about it and move on to the next thing)? Without this, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or lose sight of what you’re working towards. Be clear and set specific goals.
- 3. Lack of a plan or strategy: Without a plan, it’s easy to get sidetracked or fall victim to procrastination. You get rid of obstacles, you set your goals and how you’ll measure them, and you create a plan to do it all so you can stay focused. Your plan may evolve with intention based on new information, experiences, and so on. But you maintain a plan (even if it’s a new one), understand why the plan is set up the way it is (at any given time), and EXECUTE.
- 4. Lack of accountability: Having someone to share progress with, and to hold you accountable for your actions, can help keep you motivated and on track. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to hold oneself accountable (which is why, perhaps, so many haven’t done it yet!). But partner with the right person or people, and your chances of growth and success are increased significantly.
- 5. Difficulty in maintaining focus and commitment over time: External factors such as unexpected life events, lack of support from others, and difficulty in balancing competing priorities can all make it challenging to stay focused and committed. That’s okay, that’s understandable, that’s life. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just reflect often, identify what’s going on, and re-evaluate and refresh your plan and strategy as needed. We have no idea what’s going to happen in the moments, days, weeks, months, years ahead… but we can still set goals, make plans, be consistent and persistent and resilient, and keep moving forward!
So, what can you do to overcome these obstacles and finally achieve your goals? The first step is to take a step back and assess your current situation. Are you taking care of your WHOLE self? Are your goals clear and specific? Do you have a plan in place? Are you motivated and committed? Once you have a clear understanding of where you stand, you can start to make changes.
First, set specific and measurable goals. Next, create a plan and strategy to achieve them. Then, find an accountability partner or group to share progress with. Finally, stay motivated by regularly reminding yourself why this goal is important to you.
Everyone’s life and circumstances are different, so it may not be so straightforward for you. But it’s a starting point. You’ll do your best (perhaps with the right partner by your side) if you can figure out what’s needed and what works FOR YOU.
Remember, achieving personal goals is not easy and it takes time! But with a clear plan, accountability, and motivation, you can make it happen. So don’t give up on your dreams, take the most massive action you possibly can today and everyday… and make them a reality.
And if you’d like a partner on this journey (someone who’s a laser-focused and growth-oriented listener and coach)… reach out here and let’s see what’s possible together.
Free and ALL ME,
Bobby Vincench (R.R. Vincench), Free Mind Coach and Founder at Nonespot
