Common Pitfalls in Goal Setting

Sam Bomjan

Jan 14 (edited) in Guides

There are basically 3 traps most people fall into when setting goals.

The Compensatory goals:

Let's say you have been slacking in the gym or you have failed in the class,

You set a goal telling yourself I'll pass this class this time, and not only that you'll actually get straight As.

Or you skipped the gym for 1 week, now you'll work extra this week.

These goals are born out of pure emotions

You set yourself to failure in the most humiliating fashion.

" You cannot land on top of a mountain in one jump!"

The Fantasy Trap:

Dreams are essential, but goals need to be grounded in reality. Aspire to a six-pack or becoming a millionaire? Fantastic! But setting such fantastical goals as your sole focus can be demotivating. You miss out on the satisfaction of tracking progress, and feeling the incremental gains that fuel passion and keep you going.

Adopt a SMART approach to goal-setting:

Specific: Clearly define your goal. Instead of "get fit," aim for "run a 5k in six months."

Measurable: Quantify your goal. Track your workouts, monitor your progress, and celebrate milestones.

Attainable: Set realistic goals, challenging yourself but not setting yourself up for failure.

Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your values and aspirations.

Time-bound: Give your goal a deadline. This creates a sense of urgency and keeps you accountable.

Break down ambitious goals into smaller, measurable steps. Imagine a video game where each workout earns you "progress points" towards your six-pack trophy. Celebrating these mini-achievements builds motivation and keeps you engaged in the long run.

The moving goal post: Reaching a goal is exhilarating and on top of that most of us shift our finish line so often. Constantly pushing the goalpost can drain your energy and leave you feeling like you're never good enough.

We need to understand properly how to progressively overload our work.

Bonus Tip: Share your goals in the comments and support each other's goals

With the right mindset and strategies, you can avoid these pitfalls and transform your goal-setting into a powerful tool for personal growth and accomplishment. So, what are you waiting for? Start charting your course and watch yourself conquer the road to success!

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