Certain goal setting advice — despite being based on wrong assumptions — is widely accepted as true. And sticking with these goal setting myths is why goals fail us.
I’ve done some digging into goal setting research and discovered 3 of the most widespread myths. Here’re my findings. Along with several little known ingredients for success.
Myth #1: Every goal you set is a new beginning for you
The unspoken assumption is that your new goal exists in a vacuum. Pick a goal. Write it down. Do the work. Nothing can stop your success.
That’s a complete rainbow-unicorn myth.
You face one huge obstacle with every goal you choose. YOU!
Your past experiences and beliefs get in your way. Old baggage. Your past creeps into the present and blocks your future.
If you set new goals with the old baggage in place, then you’re set up to fail.
Biggest block to achieving your goals
Belief is the secret to achieving a goal. Believing you have the ability to do what’s required.
The more deeply you believe, when problems knock you down, it’s easier to keep going and succeed.
But our beliefs aren’t easy to see or put a finger on. They’re complicated.
Belief is a union of thought and emotion, and all day long we’re thinking and feeling, so a person’s belief system is intricate and in constant motion.
Rev. Dr. Jesse Jennings, Never Limit your True Self
Science of Mind Magazine, January 2019
Our mysterious belief systems set us up for success. Or failure.
Goal-setting research scientists report that people with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely achieve their goals.
Self-efficacy is an individual’s belief in his or her innate ability to achieve goals. Belief in innate abilities means … [having] determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles.
Wikipedia
Your strength comes from your beliefs to clearly see challenges and make wise decisions. To keep going. And not be overwhelmed.
Not believing in our abilities is the biggest block to our success. And why goals fail. Only to appear on our list year after year. After year.
Strengthen your belief – achieve your goal
James Clear in Atomic Habits gives us a path for developing belief:
Ultimately, your habits matter because they help you become the type of person you wish to be. They are the channel through which you develop your deepest beliefs about yourself. Quite literally, you become your habits.
He distinguishes goals from systems:
- Goals are the results.
- Systems and processes create results.
- And habits keep you on track with your systems – day after day.
By using systems, we build a new identity for ourselves. The new identity embodies beliefs we need to reach our goal.
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