Goal Setting: Unlocking Your Dream-to-Reality Potential

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” 

Lovely thought, Eleanor. However, believing is not enough. Committing to realizing the dream turns the conceptually beautiful dream into an amazing reality.  So, why do we often fail to realize our dreams? Because we don’t commit to them. 

Why don’t we commit to our dreams? Commitment means doing the work, and that begins with goal setting.

Goal setting is one of the topics that often comes up in coaching sessions. Why? Because goal setting is an essential and ongoing practice that empowers individuals to strive for success, create meaningful experiences, and push the boundaries of personal growth. Yet, despite our best intentions, many of us often fall short of meeting our goals.  Thus, our dreams remain just that. Dreams. In our heads. Unrealized. And we’re frustrated an confused and seeking coaching.

Why do we fail to meet our goals?

Lack of specificity. Vague or poorly defined goals can hinder progress and demotivate us. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can significantly improve our chances of success. 

Overwhelming goals. Setting overly ambitious goals can become overwhelming and lead to discouragement. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones creates a sense of accomplishment along the way, boosting motivation and paving the path to success. Realizing the dream, ya’ll!

Lack of commitment. We may start with great enthusiasm, only to lose focus and give in to distractions or competing priorities. We must remain dedicated and maintain consistent effort, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.

Procrastination. Procrastination is the silent killer of goal setting. Delaying action and succumbing to distractions can cause goals to fizzle out over time. Overcoming procrastination requires effective time management, prioritization, and developing a proactive mindset. Procrastination often involves second-guessing and making excuses about why “the time isn’t right”. I had a French teacher who always said, “Procrastination is a thief of time”. True. However, I believe that procrastination is also a dream killer. I have revised Mrs.  Burroughs’s mantra to “procrastination is a thief of mind”; It robs one’s positive, proactive mindset that could lead to positive outcomes in our lives. Procrastination often convinces us to slowly, silently let go of our goals.

Lack of accountability. Failing to hold ourselves accountable can impede our progress. Sharing our goals with trusted friends, family, or mentors can provide external support and create a sense of responsibility. Additionally, establishing regular check-ins or progress reviews can keep us on track and motivated. We need serious tribe members who believe in us enough to tell us the truth and give us the nudge ( and sometimes the kick in the britches) we need to stay committed to achieving our goals.

So, what do we do? How do we become effective goal-setters?

Embrace specificity. Make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This helps in creating a roadmap for success.

Break them down. Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones to maintain momentum and celebrate incremental progress.

Establish a plan. Create a detailed plan of action, outlining the steps required to achieve your goals. This provides a sense of direction and helps you stay focused.

Stay in the game. Develop a routine or schedule that enables you to prioritize your goals. Consistency is key to making progress.

Build your tribe. Share your goals with trusted individuals who can provide support, and encouragement, and hold you accountable.

Lean into your resilience. Expect setbacks and challenges along the way. Develop resilience and learn from failures to bounce forward stronger.

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Listen! Goal setting isn’t always easy. However, it is a transformative practice that allows us to pursue our dreams, push our limits, and lead fulfilling lives. So, embrace the practice of goal setting and embark on a path of personal growth and achievement in which you get to turn your beautiful dream into an amazing reality. 

 Need to work on committing to your goals and dreams? Connect with our tribe!