Why the goals we set fail and what you can do to achieve them

ONE VISUAL

ONE INSIGHT

A new goal won’t give you a new result — only a new lifestyle will.

Don’t be average. Become an Outlier

Only 9% of the people who make a New Year's resolution will succeed. In fact, research goes to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.

Source: Fisher College of Business

Why simple goal setting doesn’t work and how we can fix that

Lack of Clarity. People think that your odds of achieving your goals increase when you write them down without specifying why and how you are going to achieve them.

Why do we need to ask ourselves, “Why?” we are setting these goals.

• Identify the motive behind your goals. Are you setting these goals up because you genuinely want to change and do better or because you feel an external pressure or societal expectation?

• Promotes Commitment: Knowing why you're pursuing a specific goal gives you a sense of direction and a better understanding of the deeper reasons behind your goals.

• Clarifies Purpose: Understanding why a particular goal is important to you provides clarity about your motivations.

Why do we need to ask ourselves, “How?” are we achieving these goals?

• Converts Vision into Action Steps: While the "why" provides the motivation and purpose, the "how" outlines the practical steps needed to achieve your goals. It transforms your vision into a series of tangible actions, making the journey more manageable.

• Identifies the resources and requirements. Understanding how to achieve your goals allows you to identify the resources, skills, and knowledge required, holding you accountable to plan accordingly so you succeed.

• Sets Realistic Expectations: Addressing the "how" encourages a realistic assessment of what it will take to reach your goals. This includes evaluating the time, effort, and potential obstacles involved.

How should I write my goals to be successful?

Example of what not to do:

• “Get in shape.”

This goal lacks specificity, making determining the actions needed or measuring progress challenging. It also doesn't address the deeper motivations.

Example of what to do:

• “Lose 10 pounds in the next three months to improve my overall health. I will achieve this by following a balanced diet and exercising for 30 minutes five times a week.”

This goal now includes a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objective and provides the underlying motivation. Wanting to improve overall health adds a personal and meaningful dimension to the goal, enhancing the commitment and persistence needed for success.

How can you expect yourself to dedicate months to fulfill your goals if you can’t dedicate the proper time to plan your goals?

ONE QUESTION

What action can you take this week to steer your life in the direction you desire?

Until next week,

Carlo Sabatella
Founder of Neuron Visuals

p.s. Check out the Neuron Visual Posters and Wallpapers