The Journey of Goal Setting

It was the beginning of 2018 or 2019—details are fuzzy. I found myself with a fresh notepad, eager yet apprehensive about what I would write. I titled the page simply: New Year Goals.

As I sat there, pen tapping against paper, I knew I had to keep it practical. I thought in terms of three categories: health, wealth, and well-being. I crafted a few goals for each area:

• Wealth:
  • Launch and manage a successful business
  • Achieve $1 million in earnings by year-end
  • Leave my job
• Health:
  • Complete a marathon
  • Consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Well-being:
  • Meditate for 30 minutes each day
  • Read a book each week

With a sense of satisfaction, I closed the notebook, unaware that I was sabotaging my own future.

The Pitfalls of High Expectations

Looking back, I see now that my grand ambitions were virtually unattainable. The high stakes I set for myself were overwhelming, perhaps because I subconsciously doubted my abilities. I’ve noticed a recurring theme: when I feel self-assured, I set realistic targets, but when I feel lost, I resort to impossible goals.

For example, the notion of earning $1 million in a year felt as outlandish as attempting an ultramarathon the next day. Given that my exercise routine consisted mostly of walking my dogs, the likelihood of such a feat was nonexistent. Back then, with no audience, no product, and little understanding of the business landscape, the goal was pure self-sabotage.

To stay on track, I would have needed to earn $80,333 in the first month alone. From zero. The reality? It was simply unattainable.

The Quiet Consequences

When faced with such an unrealistic target, and after earning a mere $12 in the first month, I was confronted with the vast chasm between aspiration and reality. It was disheartening; the gap felt insurmountable, and the urge to give up became overwhelming. Setting lofty goals can lead to quick disillusionment.

Conversely, in a small town somewhere, someone celebrated their $12 earnings as a significant milestone. Their target? A modest $1,000 for the year. That initial success could lead to substantial achievements over time, while the person who aimed for $1 million might abandon their dreams prematurely.

The Power of Small Goals

Most people develop a habit of failing to meet their goals, which diminishes the value of setting them altogether. Essentially, it becomes a list of things left unachieved.

The objective should be to establish attainable goals that foster a sense of accountability. As you start meeting these smaller milestones, you cultivate a belief in your abilities and transform into the person you aspire to be.

When you adopt the mindset of someone who consistently sets and achieves goals, you become unstoppable.

The Solution is Simple

Aim lower. Transform that marathon into a 5k. Begin by building trust within yourself, assess your capabilities, and then operate within the sweet spot between your current skills and future aspirations. I applied this principle this year and have experienced my most successful period yet.

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In "A Guaranteed Way to Sabotage Your Own Success," Jack Canfield discusses how self-imposed barriers can derail your ambitions and offers strategies for overcoming them.

Brian Tracy's "How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Achieve Your Goals" provides practical advice on setting realistic goals and avoiding the pitfalls of self-sabotage.