Why you’re not achieving your goals
Science says only 8% of people achieve their goals (all things considered, that’s still a lot of people).
But why?
Plainly, a lot of people have goals. BUT…
- Only a small number of those people have documented goals
- An even smaller number of people have a strategy to reach their goals
- And, only a small percentage of those people ever action their strategy
That should get us nice and close to the 8% mark.
Forget law of attraction. I’m not saying it’s invalid, but if you’re serious about achieving something, you can’t leave it to chance. Don’t succumb to the myth of mysticism.
Sure, if you’re present to your reality, you will stumble upon one resource and then the next. You will come across someone who can help you and then another.
But this will only happen if you are committed and in action. Here’s why:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen events, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic. Begin it now.
— William Hutchinson Murray
Said another way, Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat (fortune favors the bold).
So, if you’re serious about achieving your goals, follow this simple process:
Step #1 — Set Clear, Specific & Measurable Goals
Keep it simple. You don’t need to adhere to the conventional five-criteria SMART goal to get the result you desire. We all know the difference between workable goals and ambiguous goals.
This goal is too ambiguous:
Become healthier this year.
But this goal is clear, specific and measurable:
Lose 10 lbs. by March 20, 2020.
Step #2 — Document Your Goals
Use pen and paper and put them into writing.
Keep your goals somewhere you will see them daily and review them.
Step #3 — Create a Strategy
This is your step by step plan.
If you’re planning to lose 10 lbs., for instance, your plan might include items like:
- Eat organic
- Exercise for 30 minutes per day
- Get in bed by 10 PM and get to sleep by 11:30 PM
Your plan can include as many items as you wish.
Step #4 — Action Your Strategy
Do something every day that moves you in the direction of your goals. Use your plan as your guide.
Final Thoughts
Achieving your goals isn’t easy. But it is simple. So, don’t over-complicate the process.
Set your goals, write them down, strategize and get in action.
If you don’t achieve your goals the first time around, try again. Create a new strategy based on what you now know.
Originally published at https://davidandrewwiebe.com on February 3, 2020.
