Why Goal Setting Generally Fails and What to Do Instead
Many people return to goal setting each year with good intentions, only to feel disappointed when the same patterns repeat. Instead of another round of unmet goals or resolutions, this year, why not do something more powerful?
How many goals have you set, only to have them unmet or forgotten? The problem isn’t you, it’s the very act of creating goals that lack clear meaning. “I want to lose 5kgs” is great until you’ve either lost it and gained it back again or it’s self-defeating if you never get to it. It sounds simple, realistic and achievable but it lacks that something deeper and more motivating that will actually allow you to make the change you’ve been chasing this whole time. This is where many traditional goal-setting approaches begin to fall apart.
When Goals Aren’t Aligned
If goals are not in alignment with your values and purpose, you will either not reach them or you will make sacrifices you may regret to get them. “I want to exercise more,” could be a misaligned goal if you value reading and music while hating exercise.
Misaligned goals usually sound nice but lack the deep integrity you need to make them stick. They often come from people you admire and so you adopt them as if they were your own, but they’re not. When a goal isn’t truly yours, motivation fades quickly.
Why Intentions Work Better Than Goals
One way to make sure you don’t fall into this trap is to use the power of intentions. These are powerful statements that define what you’re trying to achieve with your goal. To get there, state a goal and then ask yourself ‘why’?
“I’m going to lose 5kg” becomes, “I want to be leaner and feel strong” or “I want to be slimmer and more attractive.” Intentions shift the focus from a number or outcome to how you want to feel and who you want to become.
These intentions will open a new realm of possibilities, shifting your attention toward what actually matters to you. They are more inspirational and are more likely to get you to do the things required to create the change you want.
Goals are dry, intentions are alive. Goals are limited, intentions are open to greater possibility. Intentions that light you up, inspire you and give you the ‘warm and fuzzies’ are signals that you are on the right track.
A Simple Way to Try This Yourself
So here’s a suggestion for you to try. Take a goal that you are contemplating and ask yourself, “Why do I want this? What will it give me? Who will I be when I get it?” Use your answers to shape an intention that feels meaningful and personal.
Beats resolutions every day of the year.
