The Unspoken Truth About Goal Setting: What You Need to Know
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Chapter 1 The Challenge of Setting Realistic Goals
When it comes to setting goals, it's often a flawed concept, yet many of us persist in doing it.
In my experience with goal setting, I've realized that it's essential to focus on inputs rather than outputs. The outputs, or results, are beyond our control—they are simply the byproducts of our efforts. The more consistently you engage in the necessary actions, the greater the likelihood of achieving favorable results.
I've encountered my fair share of setbacks. More often than not, my failures stem from the fact that I established goals that were not attainable. And these goals aren't unrealistic simply in hindsight; they were unrealistic from the start because I had no control over them.
For instance, last April, I decided to ramp up my business efforts. At that time, I had five clients. I naively estimated that I could achieve a client base of 15 by January 1st. That was an absurd assumption. I anticipated a conversion rate of 25%, but the reality has been around 3.5% year-to-date. It was a foolish target, even if I initially believed it was reasonable.
Instead, I should have aimed for goals that were truly within my control, such as:
- Creating ten Instagram posts each month
- Posting one tweet per day
- Following up with all my leads
These objectives are entirely manageable. I can ensure that I accomplish them, and no external factors can hinder my progress. Perhaps this was the missing piece in my strategy all along—a robust social media presence. However, since I failed to take action, there's no sense in dwelling on it.
Section 1.1 The Fear of Accountability
What stops us from setting achievable goals? I think it boils down to our struggle with consistency. When we set goals, the onus of responsibility lies solely on us. There’s an inherent accountability that comes with it, and the fear of facing questions like, "You said you would post ten times this month; what happened?"
The only response to such inquiries would be, "I lack consistency, and I feel foolish."
We often avoid the discomfort of that moment by steering clear of goal setting altogether, opting instead for objectives that are largely out of our control and reliant on others' decisions, resources, or goodwill.
Subsection 1.1.1 My Transformation
Forget those unachievable goals. They have never benefited me.
For instance, I aim to earn $100 on Medium in a month. So, what steps must I take to reach that milestone? I need to increase my posting frequency. How do I accomplish this?
I immerse myself in books, articles, podcasts, and YouTube videos for inspiration, then channel my thoughts into writing. Since I always have ideas swirling in my mind, why not gather them, articulate them, and publish them?
To produce high-quality articles, what’s the strategy?
It’s well-known: practice leads to improvement. Initially, my work may be subpar, but with persistent effort, I gradually enhance my skills.
It’s not a complicated formula. I can also enroll in writing courses covering storytelling, creative writing, and even science fiction. Why not? It can only benefit my craft.
To get my articles featured in reputable publications, I must combine those first two steps. By writing more and honing my craft, I increase my chances. If I produce 1,000 articles, there’s a high likelihood that at least one will meet the standards of a high-level publication.
While luck plays a role, it’s a factor we can influence. Is it unrealistic to believe that if I write 1,000 articles, at least one will be worthy of publication? Absolutely not, especially since with enough practice, I might actually excel at writing.
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Chapter 2 Strategic Goal Setting
Discover how to effectively set and achieve your goals through actionable strategies and insights.
Explore the scientific principles behind goal setting and learn proven methods to reach your objectives.