Dec 27, 2023 5 min read lifestyle

Why Do Your Goals Keep Failing? The Missing Piece You Need to Succeed

Have you ever felt like you're walking through a maze, blindfolded? That's how life can seem when we lack clarity in our goals, plans, and intentions.

Have you ever felt like you're walking through a maze, blindfolded?

That's how life can seem when we lack clarity in our goals, plans, and intentions.

Let's break down the steps to navigate this maze with your eyes wide open.

1. What You Want: Setting Your Goal & Aim

Identifying Your True Goal: Start by asking yourself, "What do I really want?"

This isn't about what others expect from you or what society deems as successful. It's about your genuine aspirations.

Dream big, but be specific.

Instead of saying, "I want to be happy," define what happiness means to you.

Aim with Precision: Once you've pinned down your goal, aim for it with precision.

Break it down into smaller, measurable objectives.

For example, if your goal is to become healthier, your aim could include specific targets like losing a certain amount of weight or running a 5K.

2. How to Get There: Crafting a Clear Plan

Blueprint Your Journey: Every skyscraper starts with a blueprint. Similarly, your goal needs a well-thought-out plan.

Map out the steps you need to take to reach your objectives.

This could involve timelines, action items, or learning new skills.

Flexibility is Key: Remember, plans can change, and that's okay. Be adaptable but keep your eyes on the prize.

3. Why You Want To: Uncovering Intention & Desire

Dig Deep for Desire: Why do you want to achieve this goal?

Maybe you're pursuing a career in nutrition because you've seen the impact of healthy eating on mental health. Your 'why' is your fuel. Without it, your journey feels like an uphill battle.

Align with Your Values: Ensure your goal aligns with your values.

If family is important to you, a goal that requires 80-hour workweeks might not be the best fit.

Common Pitfalls

Living Someone Else's Dream

Imagine you're on a path, not because you chose it, but because someone else did. It could be parents who nudged you into a career, societal pressure nudging you towards a certain lifestyle, or just imitating a friend's life choices. Here's why it's problematic:

Lack of Personal Fulfillment: Pursuing someone else's dream is like trying to fit into a pair of shoes that aren't your size. No matter how hard you try, it just doesn't feel right. It can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of fulfillment, no matter how much you achieve.
Burnout and Resentment: It's easy to burn out when your heart isn't in it. You might find yourself working harder to compensate for the lack of intrinsic motivation, which can lead to resentment and exhaustion.
Missed Opportunities: By following a path that's not truly yours, you might miss out on discovering what you genuinely love or are passionate about.

Unclear Plans

Now, let's talk about the second pitfall: not having a clear plan. Imagine setting out on a road trip without a map or GPS. You know your destination, but not how to get there. This can lead to:

Wasted Efforts and Resources: Without a clear plan, you might end up taking unnecessary detours, wasting time, energy, and resources. It's like trying to bake a cake without a recipe – you might end up with something edible, but it's not what you hoped for.
Loss of Motivation: When the path to your goal is foggy, it's easy to lose motivation. The uncertainty of not knowing if you're on the right track can be disheartening.
Fear and Overwhelm: A lack of clarity can lead to feeling overwhelmed. When you can't see the road ahead, fear of the unknown can paralyze you, preventing any progress.

Navigating the Pitfalls

Self-Reflection: Regularly check in with yourself. Are you on this path by choice or because of external pressures? What adjustments can you make to ensure your goals align with your true self?
Seek Clarity: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This could involve researching, planning, and setting clear, achievable milestones.
Be Open to Change: Life is dynamic, and so are we. Be open to the idea that your goals and plans can evolve over time.

Remember, recognizing and understanding these pitfalls is the first step in avoiding them. With self-awareness and a clear plan, you're setting yourself up for a journey that's not just successful, but also fulfilling and true to who you are.

Actionable Advice & Reflection Prompts

Step-by-Step Roadmap

1. Write Down Your Goal

Choose the Right Medium: Whether it's a notebook, a digital document, or a vision board, pick a medium that you're comfortable with and will frequently see.
Be Specific and Measurable: Instead of writing "I want to be successful," specify what success looks like to you. For example, "I want to be a published author of a children's book by 2025."
Make It Visible: Place your written goal in a spot where you'll see it daily – like a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or a reminder on your phone.

2. Reflect on Your 'Why'

Journaling Session: Dedicate a quiet time for journaling. Write down why this goal is important to you. Think about how achieving this goal will impact your life.
Emotional Connection: Try to connect your goal with your emotions. How does thinking about your goal make you feel? This emotional connection can be a powerful motivator.
Share Your 'Why': If you feel comfortable, share your 'why' with a friend or family member. Sometimes, speaking it out loud gives it more power.

3. Create a Step-by-Step Plan

Break It Down: Divide your goal into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, your first step could be to run a certain distance three times a week.
Set Mini-Goals: These are milestones along the way. Celebrate when you achieve these mini-goals; it helps keep the momentum going.
Timeline: Assign a realistic timeline for each step. This keeps you accountable and gives you a clear idea of progress.

4. Check-in Regularly

Schedule Regular Reviews: Set aside a time each week or month to review your progress. This could be a quick 15-minute reflection or a more in-depth review.
Adjust as Needed: If you find some steps are too challenging or too easy, adjust your plan. Flexibility is key to staying on track.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated.

Additional Tips

Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable. Be prepared to modify your goals and plans as circumstances change.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek advice or help from others, whether it's a mentor, a friend, or a professional in the field.
Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset. Affirmations and positive self-talk can be effective tools in keeping your spirits high.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the journey towards your goal is as important as the destination. Enjoy the process, learn from the challenges, and celebrate every small victory. With clarity in your goal, a well-defined plan, and a deep understanding of your 'why', you're well-equipped to navigate through your maze and achieve what you set out to do. You've got this!