Good goals are your map to get from where you are to where you want to be.

1. Not planning out your goals in writing.

People with written goals have greater success than those who don’t write their goals down. A written plan will keep you on course and clearly identify when you have completed one step and are ready for the next. It will serve as a map leading you from where you are to where you want to be.

2. Failing to focus on a single goal.

Juggling multiple goals at once will make you less likely to achieve any of them. Focus on completing one goal first, and then move on to the next. For more information about the benefits of NOT multitasking, click here.

3. Not focusing on the present.

There’s no point in reminiscing about what might have been or trying to predict what will happen in the future. You can only control what you do in the present, so do something that will move you closer to your primary goal.

4. Confusing activity with productivity.

Doing something only counts if it moves you closer to your goal, so make sure your tasks are goal-oriented. Not all activities are useful for getting you ahead.

5. Not giving your goals a meaning.

Only goals that are truly meaningful to you will move you to achieve them. Make sure you know why you are pursuing your goal so that you will be excited and motivated to fulfill them.

6. Expecting to fail.

You need to believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. If you don’t think you will succeed, you won’t.

7. Fearing failure.

If you let your fear of failure keep you from setting goals in the first place, you will be your own biggest roadblock to success. Let yourself dream big, and start working toward it!

By Cathy Lau

Tags: Motivation