Does it ever feel like achieving your goals is easier said than done? That others are just more lucky than you and you’re destined for failure? It’s easy to get down and put off goal setting altogether when you just can’t seem to reach your targets. However, this negative outlook is all in your head and giving up is the last thing you should do. As the saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If you simply reevaluate the way you set your goals, you’ll start seeing new results.

1. Lack of planning. Keeping your goals in your head isn’t enough. Though positive thinking is vital, you need to put pen to paper to make it real. This way, you can really plan out every step that needs to be taken for your goal to be achieved. Create a vision board so you have a daily visual reminder of what you need to do. Invest in a planner and update it regularly. Our planners have daily, weekly, and monthly goal setting pages so you can realistically plan out every step of the way and stay organized.

2. Lack of commitment.

It’s easy to say you’d like to do something and leave it at that. You need to actually follow through in order to make things happen. When you’re organized and planning everything out, it makes it easier to stay committed to your goal. For example, if you have a fitness-related goal it will be easier to achieve it if you have set certain days as your gym days.

3. Lack of motivation.

If your dreams aren’t coming true, you’ll lose motivation fast. Be sure to keep yourself motivated by regularly looking for inspiration. Read articles, books, or watch videos from people you admire. Find yourself a mentor or partner that will help you achieve your goals - someone you can always rely on for encouragement and support to help keep you going. Hang up photos and quotes that will constantly remind you of your goals.

4. Unrealistic goals.

It’s good to aim high, but you often won’t be able to get there right away. Start with small, doable goals and work your way up. You will feel more accomplished after constantly achieving small goals and it will give you the confidence you need to complete the big picture.

For example, you might want to become the next CEO of the company you work for. Chances are that won’t happen overnight but you can work towards the next available promotion and continue on from there.

Photo credit @gjeshaa