Why Goal Setting Doesn't Work
Did I read that right? This coming from someone who just wrote a book called 10X My Travel Business As you know, I've always been a goal-setter. However, after years of setting goals, and coaching others to achieve theirs, I've come to the startling conclusion that goal setting doesn't work! At least not in isolation. It's about having a growth mindset versus a goal mindset. Let me explain. Goals are a compass point. They’re a marker in the future that establishes the distance between where you are and where you want to be.
Goals have an appealing black-and-white clarity, which is helpful in a world of grey.
There is nothing more invigorating or helpful than a gold-guided number pinned up on your vision board ... until it’s not helpful. The challenges with goals are:
Rather than propel you forward, they emphasize the gap.
On a good day (generally the day you set your goals) you feel inspired and optimistic.
On a bad day, you feel foolish for even thinking you could get that far.
The distance between where you are, and where you want to seem impossible so you stop trying. Studies show that less than 3% of the population sets goals, and less than 1% write them down.
You give up ... according to Stanford Research, 92% give up on their goals.
"You'll never know what results come from your action,
but if you do nothing, there will be no result."
- Ghandi
The benefits of a growth mindset are:
It focuses on the progress you’re making toward the goal.
It celebrates the efforts, not the result.
It breaks it down day by day and skill by skill.
It opens up a much deeper transformation beyond a number on the wall.
Continuous learners are 21% happier in their work - HBR.
When I started out as a coach I had no clients, no programs, and no clue how to put one foot in front of the other. I had a burning passion to help the travel industry recover by building great leaders. Yet day after day I struggled to build my practice. I kept setting goals based on how I used to achieve things in my corporate career.
Set, mobilize, conquer, reset!
As a coach and a solopreneur, suddenly everything changed.
Set, flounder, fail. Repeat!
I was frustrated, discouraged, and desperate for a new approach. It was then I started to focus on growth instead of results. I took a long hard look at the new skills I needed and began knocking them off one by one. Skills and habits became my daily obsession. Now I dedicate 30 to 60 minutes every day to getting better! I had to unlearn many things, and stop doing things that didn't matter, or at least didn't matter now. Instead, I poured my time into helping others achieve their goals. I noticed a powerful difference when we shifted from a goal mindset to a growth mindset. Don't get me wrong, I still love talking about 10X goals. 10X is not about getting bigger, it's about getting better in order to achieve everything you want, in less time! It's also about helping others get what they want.
“If you help enough people get what they want, you can have everything you want.”
- Jim Rohn
The true beauty of a growth mindset is that when you show up in service to helping others grow, you amplify the impact you make in the world. Points to Ponder: 1. What do you really want? 2. What skill are you missing that would help you get there? 3. If you carved out 30 minutes to learn every day - how would you fill it? 4. What's one thing you could stop doing? 5. How would helping others achieve their goals help you achieve yours? If you are interested in ways to elevate your success, I invite you to connect with me. Click HERE!
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It's finally here!
10X My Travel Business - Ten times better in half the time!
Simple, business-building strategies on how to amplify your impact. It's not about working harder. It's about getting better and achieving your goals in LESS time!
Order it today on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com
If you are interested in my coaching programs please connect with me HERE!
Get your copy of my book that will help you soar... Flying Colors - US - here! CAD - here!
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geraldine@geraldineree.com
