10 Reasons Goals Fail and What You Can Do to Achieve Yours
Okay, let's be honest – we've all done it. Set those super ambitious goals, felt that rush of excitement, and imagined ourselves crossing the finish line triumphantly. You know, the whole "New Year, New Me" thing? But then…cue record scratch.
A few weeks, maybe a couple of months in, and it's like that motivation vanished overnight. What happened?
Don't worry, you're not alone. I see it all the time with entrepreneurs: big dreams, huge plans, and then… it fizzles out. So, here's the thing… it doesn't have to be this way. There's a reason goals fail, and by understanding those pitfalls, you can totally smash your business and personal targets.
Let's break this down into 10 reasons goals fail and what you can do to achieve yours.
1. Fuzzy Goals: The Success Killer
Think about it: you hop in your car and start driving... but you have no destination in mind. You might get somewhere, but it probably won't be where you actually want to be and by when you want to be there.
Goals work the same way! Saying "I want to make more money," is like driving aimlessly. Your brain's like, "Uh, cool? How much more? By when?"
Fix: Get crystal clear on your goals. Use the SMART method: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "make more money", you would say, "Increase monthly revenue by 20% within the next 6 months (and write down that specific month, day, and year, along with the exact goal amount number)." That gives your brain a target to focus on.
2. Motivation Meltdown
Motivation is fickle. One day, you feel like you could conquer the world; the next you're fighting to drag yourself out of bed. Motivation alone isn’t going to cut it!
Fix: Build systems and habits. Don't just hope you'll work on your business – schedule it. Block out time every day, even 30 minutes, and make it non-negotiable. Consistency beats bursts of motivation every time.
3. Fear: The Invisible Saboteur
Fear of failure, fear of success (yep, it's a thing!), fear of looking stupid…it's all lurking in the shadows. It whispers things like, "What if it doesn't work?", "What will people think?". Those thoughts are crippling.
Fix: Face the fear head-on. Acknowledge it, name it, and then ask yourself: "What's the worst that could happen?" Usually, the worst-case scenario is way less scary than you imagined. Then ask yourself, “What’s the best that can happen?”
Plus, remind yourself that doing nothing guarantees failure, and taking action opens up possibilities. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" – Franklin D. Roosevelt. A classic, and true!
The fact is, we all have limiting beliefs, to some degree, that are holding us back. Some of those limiting beliefs we don’t even know we have. Download my complimentary Special Guidebook, Are Limiting Beliefs Stopping You from Achieving Your Goals?, to explore 7 success beliefs, so you can more quickly have your ideal business and life by going to https://bit.ly/Limiting-Beliefs-Book.
4. Comparing Yourself to Instant Success
Ugh, those picture-perfect entrepreneurs with their seemingly effortless wins – don't let them fool you. Everyone has struggles, and what you see online is just the highlight reel. It's like trying to compare your messy kitchen to a magazine spread. Not realistic.
Fix: Stay in your lane. Your journey is unique. Focus on your progress, not someone else's. Celebrate your wins, big and small. An “overnight success” usually took many, many years for that person to get there.
5. Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS)
That new course, that new strategy… they all look so alluring! Right? But constantly jumping from tactic to tactic leaves you scrambling without ever making real progress. It's like trying to build a house while constantly switching the blueprints.
Fix: Choose a path and stick to it (at least for a while!). Give it a fair shot before ditching it for the next shiny thing. Remember, the foundation is often the least exciting part, and the most important part. Learn how to fight the shiny object syndrome by going to https://bit.ly/shiny-object.
According to a study by the University of Scranton, only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year's resolutions. Don't let those odds define you!
6. Going It Alone
Being an entrepreneur can feel lonely sometimes. You're the visionary, the doer, the problem-solver... it's a lot to carry! However, not having support is a recipe for burnout and discouragement. We're social creatures; we need help and that sounding board.
Fix: Find your tribe! Join a mastermind group or online communities, or even hire an accountability coach or a mentor. Having people who believe in you, who've been there, and who can offer guidance is priceless.
7. "Someday..." Syndrome
You know this one: "Someday, I'll make those revenue generation calls," “Someday, I’ll hire staff to help me.”, "Someday, I'll write that book."... 'Someday' is the ultimate procrastination trap. It's a comfy place where your goals go to die.
Fix: Stop waiting for the perfect moment. It doesn't exist. Start NOW, even if it's small, even if it's messy. Action breeds momentum, and momentum creates results.
8. All Work, No Play = Burnout City
Hustle culture can be toxic. Grinding yourself into the ground is NOT admirable; it's unsustainable. Rest is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and long-term success. You know, that guilt you feel when you take a break? Kick it to the curb!
Fix: Schedule downtime. Treat it as important as any business meeting with an ideal prospect or ideal client. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or do something purely for FUN that you enjoy. You'll come back refreshed and re-energized.
9. Perfectionism Paralysis
Striving for excellence is great. But perfectionism? That's a recipe for never getting anything done. The fear of something being less than perfect can stop you from even starting.
Fix: Embrace the 'good enough' mindset. Sometimes, done is better than perfect. Remember, you can always iterate and improve later.
10. Giving Up When the Going Gets Tough
There will be obstacles. Setbacks are inevitable. It's part of the entrepreneurial journey. What separates those who succeed from those who don't is how they handle the tough times.
Fix: Develop resilience. It's like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Reframe obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Remind yourself why you started.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." – Thomas Edison
You've got this! Goal setting is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. Be kind to yourself as you learn and grow. Remember, even small steps in the right direction are progress, and it is about progress and not perfection.
This isn't just about achieving a single goal. It's about building a habit of success, a mindset that empowers you to reach your full potential as an entrepreneur. Now, go out there and crush your goals!
Unlock a blueprint to creating and having your ideal business and ideal life by scheduling your free consultation with me today!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Get the proven strategies and resources you need for massive success. Subscribe to my blog now by going to https://accountabilitycoach.com/blog and start transforming your business today!
Go to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com to check out for yourself how I, as your Accountability Coach™, can help you get and stay focused on you highest payoff activities that put you in the highest probability position to achieve your professional and personal goals, so you can enjoy the kind of business and life you truly want and deserve.
Get your daily Accountability Minute shot of a single, simple, doable idea, so you can start your day off on the "right foot". You can find The Accountability Minute on https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/my-podcast/ as well as on most podcast platforms and in most English-speaking countries.
Take advantage of all the complimentary business tips and tools by joining the Free Silver Membership on https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/coaching-store/inner-circle-store/.
Connect with me on:
- Connect with me on Linked-in (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebachrach)
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel with business success principles (https://www.youtube.com/annebachrach)
- Connect with me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheAccountabilityCoach)
Check out my proven business accelerator resources by going to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/coaching-store/.
I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.
Aim for what you want each and every day!
Anne Bachrach
The Accountability Coach™
If you are getting value from any of my episodes, please take a minute to leave me a short rating and review. I would really appreciate it, and love to hear from you.
#accountabilitycoach #stopprocastination #limitingbeliefs #timemanagement #goalsetting #goalachievement #procrastination #businesssuccesstips #entrepreneurialmindset #mindset #businessownertips #smallbusinessownwers #businessgrowth #businessacceleration