Ten “Do Nots” About Setting Goals

I put together this short list to highlight the mindset a person needs to be successful in achieving personal goals. There are times when the application of all of the rules will be required. There are other times when the nature of the goal will dictate the rules that apply. Although this list is a list of “do nots,” reading the rule in the affirmative will help guide you to taking the correct action when setting goals.

If you need additional guidance on setting goals, I have an entire chapter in my book, Simple Wealth Building Strategies. In this book, I go into great detail on setting goals from both an physical and intellectual perspective. I believe this resource will help you change the trajectory of your life, but you will have to do the work of learning and applying the information. I hope this short list of “do nots” help you focus on your future success.

Here is the list of things you should refrain from doing if you want to be successful at achieving your goals.

1.    Do not set goals that require someone else to change. I want my husband to love me more is not a goal YOU can achieve. People change because they want to, not because you want them to. Your goals should be about changing you, not others. Tying your goals to changing others is a sure way to become frustrated, bitter, and, in the end, a failure.

2.    Do not set goals that require someone else to accomplish something so that you can accomplish something. Goals that are dependent on someone else’s accomplishments often cause frustration because the goal becomes more about controlling someone else’s behaviors than it is about controlling yours.

3.    #160;Do not set goals that focus on changing the circumstances in which you live. Rather, set goals that change how you interact with the circumstances in which you live. Trying to change the circumstances is like swim upstream on the Mississippi River, you might make it, but you’ll waste a lot of time in the process.

4.    Do not set goals that compromise your character. In the end, you may have what you want, but no one will want you. Every life leaves a wake upon the shores of those with whom they interact. Compromising your character will erode your relationship and destabilize your ability to achieve future success.

5.    Do not set negative goals. Removing something from your life is not as important as adding something to it. Instead of setting a goal to lose weight, set a goal to eat healthier and exercise more. Instead of setting a goal to reduce spending, set a goal to save more. Focusing on the positive is far more fulfilling than always focusing on the negative.

6.    Do not set goals that conflict with other life priorities. Always keep the most important things the most important. When your goals compromise you commitment to your faith, family, and friends, the achievement is never worth the cost. Have rock solid priorities and your goals will always compliment them. 

7.    Do not set goals that lack discipline. Discipline is a combination of three elements: character, stamina, and wisdom. Goals that challenge your current abilities build character, develop stamina, and produce wisdom. Your character is who you are when no one is watching. Stamina is the ability to stay committed even in the face of overwhelming negative odds. Wisdom is the appropriate application of knowledge gained through experience and observation. Discipline is the capstone of achievement.

8.    Do not set goals that are too easily achieved. Goals that are too easily achieved produce a false sense of security and accomplishment. Training yourself to overcome trials and tribulations will sustain you when times get tough. Stretch goals force you to be uncomfortable. When you are able to achieve your goals in the face of adversity, you will have a greater sense of accomplishment and confidence.

9.    Do not set goals that are unable to produce a return on your investment. Time is the single greatest resource of which you have no ability to create more. Why waste it on pursuing goals that do not add value to your life? There is a distinct difference between goals that build wealth and those that waste resources. Your goals should move you towards a financial target, not further away from it.

10. Do not set goals that fail to have a sustainable target. That is, once the goal is achieved, it has the ability to self-sustain a pattern of continual growth or improvement with little or no effort. The best measure of a goal is one that eventually becomes a way of life. Once you have overcome the major roadblocks to achieving the goal, you are able to sustain the activity without struggling to continue to achieve the goal.

If something here has helped you, please share this post with your contacts. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Simple Wealth Building Strategies and keep your eyes out for my new soon to be released book 10 Roadblocks To Successful Investing, And What You Can D0 To Overcome Them.