The easiest part of setting goals is simply setting them. Many of us have experienced repeatedly writing down the same "new year's resolutions" year after year without making much progress. We declare that this is the year we'll lose weight, start a business, quit drinking, or buy a new car. But how often do we actually follow through on these goals? How many times have we announced our intentions to friends and family, only to find ourselves still stuck in the cycle of goal setting?
My father recently retired after working tirelessly for over twenty-five years to support our family. Reflecting on his career, he expressed regret about not starting his own logistics company. Despite being highly skilled and well-connected in the industry, he became comfortable and shifted his focus to providing for his children's education and building a stable life for us. He settled for smaller goals, prioritizing the success of my uncle's company instead of pursuing his own dreams.
This story made me realize a common trait that holds many people back from reaching their full potential: intertwining their goals with the goals and ambitions of others. They invest significant time, energy, and resources into supporting other people's dreams, hoping that their own goals will eventually align. They become passive about their own ambitions, procrastinate, and create an endless cycle without setting deadlines for themselves.
"Stop setting goals. Goals are pure fantasy unless you have a specific plan to achieve them," said Stephen Covey, an American educator, author, and businessman. Covey's words are a wake-up call to stop fantasizing and start taking ownership of our goals. Whether they are personal, professional, or relationship-oriented, it is our responsibility to create and implement a plan to achieve them. The question is no longer "What are my goals?" but rather "How can I take action to achieve the desired results?"
Jim Rohn emphasized this point by saying, "If you don't design your life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." It's crucial to view goal setting as entering into a lifelong commitment, similar to a marriage. Before getting married, we write vows pledging to be a certain person for our partner and contribute specific qualities to the relationship. If we lose sight of those vows, the bond weakens, focus diminishes, and commitment wanes. Similarly, to achieve our goals, we must put in effort to realign ourselves with the promises we made and stay committed to creating a successful outcome.
Once goals and dreams are set, it becomes our responsibility to strategize and take action. We must channel our energy, focus our minds, and invest our time in pursuing what we want to achieve. Just as we revisit our wedding vows, we should frequently remind ourselves of our goals. Avoid falling into the trap of the "new year, new resolutions" syndrome. Constantly remind yourself of what you're chasing after and why it matters to you.
Lack of confidence is a common obstacle that holds many people back from pursuing their goals. Self-limiting beliefs, fears, and self-doubt can prevent us from taking necessary action. To overcome these barriers, we must face our fears head-on and fully own our goals. As Jim Rohn wisely stated, "Failure is not a single, cataclysmic event. You don't fail overnight. Instead, failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day." If we truly desire something, we will find a way to achieve it. Excuses have no place when we take full ownership of our goals and bring them to life.
So, let go of the excuses, overcome self-doubt, and take charge of your goals. Strategize, act, and relentlessly pursue what you truly want. Own your goals, just as you would own your commitment to a lifelong partnership. With dedication, perseverance, and a clear plan, you can turn your goals into tangible realities.
