Have you come across someone who seems to always get what they want, and wondered, what it is about them that allows them to continue to “win” in everything they set out to do? Or maybe you know someone who’s always working towards some BIG vision or goal, but yet, can never seem to stick with anything long enough to get it fully off the ground?
Have you ever stopped and wondered what is the “it” that differentiates those who achieve success in their lives from those who seem like they're always "just getting by?"
There is no simple answer to either of those questions. However, there are clues and patterns of behavior, which may reveal the difference between the those who achieve their goals and those who are always in a state of striving with very little to show for it.
As you embark on your pathway to goal attainment and success, you’ll want to remain mindful of the potential roadblocks most people face along the journey.
While there are many, both internal and external, to choose from, this article will focus on four key areas that are within your control to monitor and change as needed in order to fully embrace that vision of success you’ve created for yourself and those around you.
1. Lack of Clarity in Goal-Setting
By now, we’ve all heard the term SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely).
However, many struggle with gaining this level of clarity around what it is they want to achieve. While this is not the only way to set goals, it certainly has proven to be the most effective in ensuring follow-through and success.
Here’s an example illustrating the difference between the two types of goal-setting:
Vague - “I want to learn a new language.”
SMART - “I want to learn Spanish. To achieve this, I will learn one new Spanish word each day, using the language app over the course of one year.”
See the difference? In the SMART goal example, there is specificity, a plan of action, and a timeline that is realistic.
2. Unrealistic Expectations
We live in a society where claims of “quick results” are advertised and blasted everywhere we look.
Just about every marketing message promises to save you time, money, or both. And many set their goals based on those promises and end up either frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged when they don’t experience the results promised.
Related: 3 Steps To Overcome Self Negative Talk
This is why setting goals based on what you actually want to achieve, using timeframes that make sense and fit where you currently are in life, are important to your success in achieving your goals.
What works or makes sense for one person may not be the same for you.
So rather than create any unnecessary pressure, take the time to evaluate the things in your life, i.e. lifestyle, family obligations, financial stability, etc., and then create a plan that takes all of those components into consideration.
3. Lack of Focus & Self-Discipline
Self-discipline and focus are the basic requirements for success.
If you’re unable to stick to something for the duration of the time it takes to experience success, unfortunately, it will be hard for you to get to the place where you see the manifestation of your goals...no matter how great your plan looks on paper.
To see your goals become your reality, it’s imperative that you get laser-focused and remain diligent in executing towards the completion of your goals.
4. Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs are essentially self-fulfilling prophecies.
The reality is if you don’t believe you can lose weight, start that new career, breakthrough your financial ceilings, or whatever goal you have your eyes set on, then you won’t.
Everything we experience externally in our lives is a direct reflection of belief internally we’re capable of.
Therefore, if you have ideas and beliefs that are incompatible with success, you’ll need to get to the root of those hidden beliefs in your subconscious in order to successfully move forward in achieving your goals.
By no means is this an exhaustive list. However, it can serve as a starting point for you to begin to shift your awareness to the things, which may have held you back in past, or are currently keeping you stalled.
No matter where you are in your process, you can always make changes and adjustments to help you realign with your goals.
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Grab Intentional Living 6-Month Daily Planner today.
