Ready, Steady… Get That Goal

05/01/2017 by

Gail Biddulph

There’s a LOT of chatter about New Year’s Resolutions and Goal Setting at the moment – what else do you expect?

People are  talking about how this year is going to be so much better than last year.  And they’ll never go back to their old habits.

Well, give it another 10 days or so and we’ll soon see the cracks appearing.  Or more likely the old habits will be firmly back in the driving seat.  By 17th January it’ll be back to same ‘ol business as usual!

I’m not being negative or pessimistic.  I’m talking with a tinge of realism and a smile.

Despite the popularity of “goal setting” and the best of intentions most people do not achieve their goals.  If they did we’d see far more successful people!

And, it seems to me we’re encouraged to “go large” and set stretching goals, or big hairy audacious goals.  But having such big goals may in itself be the problem.

Now, before you start jumping up and down and sending me emails telling me I’m being contradictory, hear me out…

I first came across goal setting theory many, many years ago during my business psychology studies.  And it was Dr Edwin Locke and Dr Gary Latham who wrote extensively about the theory which also included the importance of the relationship between goals and personal performance.

And subsequent research has shown that people are motivated by goals only when they have received positive rewards for past goals achieved.  If somebody has previously failed to reach a goal, then their future goal related performance declines.

So, with that snapshot of theory let’s move on…

If there is a history of not reaching a goal, then goals are unlikely to motivate somebody.  Aubrey Daniels wrote about this in great detail in his book Oops! 13 Management Practices That Waste Time and Money.

Throw in to the mix that men and women approach goals very differently – we’re hard wired to do things differently.

Men like to compartmentalise and reach completion quickly.

Women like to be in the flow.

Women become more emotionally connected to their goals, but tend to procrastinate because they are seeking the “right path”.

Men visualise their goals better giving them greater direction, focus and completion.

So what do we do?

This is what I’ve found to be very effective.  This system means I’m confident in setting a goal because I know I can achieve.  And I know achievement equals a reward.

I set smaller goals.  I take my believability test.  I visualise. I plan.  I take urgent and massive action. I make myself accountable.  I accomplish one thing every day.  And then when I’ve achieved my little goal, I give myself a little rewards – why wouldn’t I?  I’ve been a good girl!!

Goal getting is crucial to our future success.

It helps keeps us focused, gives us direction and purpose and takes us from where we are to where we want to be.

When we master the art and science of goal getting we become unstoppable.

And, if you want to avoid abandoned goals and use goal getting as one of your tools for achieving your success this year, then come along to my Business Breakthrough 2017 event.  It’s taking place before that dreaded day so you’ll be able to stay on track with the step by step guide to goal getting.  You’ll also discover how to do less and achieve more and I’ll be sharing strategies that’ll boost your income without you breaking into a marketing sweat.  It’s a jam packed day full of valuable insights.  You can book your place here.