5 Things That Will Keep You From Accomplishing Your Goals

Woop woop, we made it through the first week of 2014! How you feeling, how are all of the goals you set shaping up so far? I hope you’re on the road to feeling accomplished and seeing all the changes you created intentions for in this new year.

Since this is the season of setting goals (and, let’s be honest, forgetting goals) I wanted today’s post to be kind of a avoid these things while you can to stay in the clear type of post. Because while you’re out setting great goals and getting excited, there are small things that can come up in the following weeks or months that stop these goals from coming to fruition. I know, because I’ve been there, and it isn’t fun to look back 6 months down the road and realize your still at the starting line.

So, without further ado, 5 things that will keep you from accomplishing your goals.

01. Waiting until you’re ready to start.

I promise you this – that “ready” feeling you’re waiting for isn’t in a hurry to find you. The day you decide that you want to accomplish something should be the day you start working on it. Sitting around and waiting until you feel the time is right is a guaranteed way to ensure you never start. Why waste time?

Action item: Write down something that you can to IN THE NEXT WEEK to help make one of your goals a reality. It doesn’t have to be big or small, but it needs to be something.

02. Keeping all your goals to yourself.

Let the secret out, right now! You’re most likely keeping your goals to yourself for one of two reasons, you’re afraid at taking the risk, or it isn’t really a goal that matters to you. Some kind of  magic happens when you share your goals with someone. It creates a system of accountability – and you need someone to hold you accountable!

Action item: Chose one of your short or long term goals, and share it with someone that you trust. Tell them why this goal is important to you, and what you hope will happen after accomplishing this goal.

03. Setting too many goals.

Erika wrote an awesome post on setting realistic goals. It’s great to get excited and want to take on the world, one checklist at a time, but let’s be honest, that’s a lot to do in 365 days. It’s perfectly fine to set one or two really strong and meaningful goals that you are able to carry out. Keyword, able.

Action item: Take a look at your goal list, and count them up. Now make a top 2 that are your most important and meaningful and let your focus fall to those.

04. Creating goals to please others.

No, no no no no PLEASE do not do this! Your goals should have personal meaning and relevance to you. If you’re aiming to accomplish all of these things to make other people happy, you will end up being the most unhappy, under motivated and uninspired person you know. Do things that are pleasing to you; set goals that will bring you joy. When the people who you want to make happy see how well you’re doing by implementing change, they will be happy too! Win, win!

Action item: Write out 3 reasons why you set the goals that you’ve set. If any of those reasons soley include “to make _____ happy,” reevaluate my friend.

05. Comparing your goals to everyone else’s goals.

Okay, so maybe your goal for the year is to eat out less and your best friend’s goal is to win the Nobel Peace Prize. That doesn’t make your goal any less meaningful or significant. Comparison will drive you crazy! Focus on your own goals and the rest will fall in line.

Action item: Make a list of reasons why your goals, no matter how big or small they, are significant and important.

What are some of your top 2 goals, and what’s your plan for accomplishing them?

OOOHHHH!!! Don’t forget the first And Yes To Joy Newsletter will be sent out on Monday, January 13th! Make sure you’re subscribed so that all that inspirational goodness hits your inbox, too!