It’s important to set goals for ourselves. And it’s even more important to set goals when you’re in business for yourself. But as with most things, setting goals is one thing – and achieving them is another. Often we take on too many goals at once and then are surprised when we fall short. Here’s how to avoid some common goal setting mistakes.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
MISTAKE #1: NOT UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOALS & PROJECTS
This is the first goal setting mistake people make and it’s really critical that we understand the difference.
A goal is a big, overarching result or outcome we want to achieve.
It’s something like “Create a business that earns $1000 per month. Or “I want to add 5000 subscribers to my email list by the end of the year.”
Goals are also often things that we don’t have total and complete control over – and that’s scary.
But what we DO have control over is the projects – and yes I used the plural intentionally – that will move us towards the achievement of the big goal.
So let’s take a look at one of the goals mentioned above and think about what projects we would need to complete that would increase our chances of achieving the stated outcome we want to achieve.
Goal – Creating a business that earns $1000 per month.
In order to create the conditions to earn $1000 per month, you’ve got to get things in place that make sales. So one project might be to create an online course or to offer a specific service.
Your project(s) might look like this:
- Create an online course about (topic) by (certain date) and sell on (platform of your choice)
- Choose a specific service to offer
- Select affiliate products that are appropriate for my expertise area and insert into content as appropriate
Now, in order to achieve each of the projects listed above you’ll need to determine the specific tasks that will be required to complete them. And you’ll want to make these tasks small enough that you can complete each one in a single sitting. Otherwise it becomes too easy to get discouraged thinking “I’ll NEVER get this done!” and throw up your hands and quit.
But once you’ve outlined your project tasks and plugged them into your work schedule, you’ll know that each time you sit down to work you’re doing something that is going to move you closer to achieving that goal of earning $1000 a month (at least eventually).
That certainly beats just doing a lot of random tasks that don’t get you anywhere. It’s also more effective than setting “goals” like “Finish lead magnet for Category #1” and then realizing you’ve accomplished a lot of “goals” but aren’t any closer to achieving the outcome that you’re really working for.
See the difference?
Now, lots and lots of people use the words goal and projects interchangeably. And that’s not a cardinal sin or anything as long as you realize that there are BIG goals and SMALL goals (or mini-goals). Those mini-goals are really your projects but as long as we understand the difference it’s okay.
MISTAKE #2: SETTING SMALL, INSIGNIFICANT GOALS
Another common goal setting mistake people make is not dreaming big enough. Instead of thinking about what they really want, too many people play it safe. They settle for small goals (or they set what are really mini-goals and they are surprised when nothing consequential happens).
However, good goals are meant to stretch us. They’re supposed to help us develop our untapped potential and move us closer to becoming the people we’re meant to be or living the life we dream about.
So when you start thinking about goals for your life and business, think about what goals will cause you to stretch and perhaps feel a little nervous. What goals will help you create the life you’ve hardly even dared to think about?
And most importantly, what goals will help you create the business that you know you’re capable of building if you’ll just get out of your own way and put a plan in place?
You might start by thinking about the values that are most important to you. Then let your dreams and goals come from there. After all, goals that are tied to your big values are goals that you’re going to have a greater connection to.
I also think it’s helpful to include your “why” when you write your goals – or your “So that…” statements.
For example: “I want to earn $1000 month so that I can make the house payment or rent.”
Including your “So that…” statement is helpful because it provides you with that push you may need when you feel unmotivated. It reminds you why you chose this particular goal in the first place.
Sometimes we all need that extra reminder.
Finally, write them down. Yes, I’m serious. Write them down. You’ll need to refer to them frequently.
Your goal statements don’t need to ramble o
MISTAKE #3: NOT TAKING FINANCIAL FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION
Another common goal setting mistake is not taking things like your monetary constraints into consideration. For example, if you work a traditional 9 to 5 job and are creating your online business on the side, setting a goal of earning a million dollars your first year may not be feasible.
Now I’m not saying that you need to scale your goals down because of your current financial situation . That would actually be the opposite of what I suggest you do.
But here’s the deal – we need to dream big for the long term while being realistic in the short term. For example, that million dollar earning goal is great as long as you realize that it’s not likely to happen your first year while you also work a traditional job.
That means that some goals are going to take a bit longer to achieve…and that’s okay. You’re more likely to eventually reach those goals if you’ve set realistic timelines instead of getting frustrated and giving up because you expected miracles.
So instead, set that goal aside for the future, and instead pick something more reasonable like earning your first $10,000. Then increase your goals as the situation changes.
Money is not the only factor you need to consider; time and physical limitations are also important to consider…which brings us to our next point.
MISTAKE #4: NOT TAKING YOUR HEALTH LIMITATIONS INTO CONSIDERATION
Think about your health. If you have a work-related goal—say, to hit six figures or something similar—and your doctor has also told you that your health is in trouble, it may be time to set aside your money related goals and focus on your health.
This has been a hard one for me personally. Since I’ve gotten my cancer diagnosis I don’t have the energy that I had at one point. And it’s been a personal struggle to admit that I don’t have the energy of a 22-year old graduate student who can work 14-hour days any more.
But knowing my limitations has given me permission to take the time that is needed for rest. After all, if I hit a wall because I’m continuing to abuse my body, then I’m not likely to achieve any of the goals I’ve set for myself anyway.
This is a case where it’s much more efficient to work with your limitations and make realistic progress than to fight against them and always come up with the short end of the stick where you achieve nothing.
MISTAKE #5: FORGETTING THE OTHER PEOPLE & OBLIGATIONS IN YOUR LIFE
Don’t forget about the people around you. If you’re in a situation where other people are dependent on you, say a family or colleagues, you may need to set aside some of your personal goals for a bit in favor of meeting their needs.
For example, if you’re a member of the sandwich generation and are helping see to elderly parents, then you’ve got to allow for time spent helping them instead of working on your business. You can still achieve your business goals, but it may take a bit longer because of your other (important) obligations.
YOU CAN REACH YOUR GOALS!
If you’re like most people (including me!) you’ve probably set some goals that you didn’t reach. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t reach those goals in the future. And the more you avoid these common goal setting mistakes the more likely you are to achieve success.
MORE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS:
5 Reasons to Bring Clarity Into Your Life
Have you ever known someone who seemed so focused and totally sure about their direction in life? They probably seemed like the epitome of confidence and had an air of “I know where I’m going” that’s hard to resist. Meanwhile, you’ve probably had times when you felt muddled, confused, anxious, and wondering which path to…
4 Benefits of Setting Goals in Your Small Business
When we think about goal setting, we often think about our personal goals. But did you know that there are benefits to setting goals in your small business as well? This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. Even those who are big believers in setting personal goals (health…
Continue Reading 4 Benefits of Setting Goals in Your Small Business
5 Types of Goals To Set For Your Small Business
Once you know how important it is to set goals in business, it’s time to take a look at the different types of goals to set for our small business. Since your goals are the drivers of your success, it’s important to set goals that are relevant to what you want to achieve with your…
Continue Reading 5 Types of Goals To Set For Your Small Business
4 Steps To Achieve Your Goals
A lot of people think that they’ve set goals but then wonder why they never accomplish any of them. If you want your goals to become reality, then you need to take the proper steps to set goals that are actually achievable. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for…
I help older women get past their fear and mindset issues so they can create a plan to pursue their goals and dreams.