We’ve all done it before! We’ve made mistakes that were avoidable but we walked right into them because we didn’t have anyone to show us a better way! Well today, that ends for you because I’m sharing the 3 most common mistakes goal-getters make and how you can work through them (or even avoid them when possible)! Hit play for the inside scoop!
Mistake #1: Overthinking & Second Guessing Yourself
Think about someone you admire who has left an incredible mark on the world. Mine is Nelson Mandela! Now with that person in mind do you think they would have achieved all that they’ve achieved if they held on to the belief that they didn’t know what they were doing? Or someone else is a better fit to get the job done? Or they have nothing to offer? I highly doubt it!
So if you find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of self-doubt here’s a question for you. What real benefit do you get from talking to yourself this way and how can you expect to perform at your best when you are second-guessing yourself? It’s ain’t gon happen! Not because you’re not capable, but because you’re using your greatest assets (your mind) against you!
Now, this doesn’t mean you should never express a moment of self-doubt. Uh-uh, that would be unhealthy. Self-doubt and overthinking are totally normal! It shows that you’re weighing the options, taking an honest look at the pros and cons, being subjective, and showing no favoritism (which is awesome)!. What isn’t healthy is how we choose to respond and what we do once we notice the negative self-talk kick in.
Here’s What You Can Do Instead:
Ask yourself:
- What is this belief costing me?
- If I continue to do/think this where will I be 3,6,12 months from now?
- Is this where I wanna end up?
The bible, science, and a whole lot of other credible sources have all confirmed the power of our thoughts to share the world around us. We all know that everything we see from sticky notes all the way up to high-tech companies all started as an idea. Our thoughts become reality. So if the reality you wanna create for yourself is one where you are all that God made you to be, you’re thriving in your purpose, and everything you touch turns to gold then what kind of thoughts can you incorporate to help you practice this more often.
Because it’s not about faking it till you make it or brainwashing yourself with a bunch of surface-level affirmations that you made up and have no real meaning to you. Nah, that stuff doesn’t work. This is about understanding the truth of who you are, what you have to offer, and standing in it. Not being afraid to live your dreams out loud, make mistakes and fail forward, so you can grow, help others do the same, and be the change you wanna see in the world!
Mistake #2: Living In The Future & Disgarding Today
The average person is doing way too much! And if I’m honest this was my life just last year. I had a full schedule. I would go from one keynote speaking event to the next, one big project to the next, one new opportunity email to the next, and by the end of the day instead of feeling satisfied and complete with all my effort. I would think ahead to next week, next month, or the next quarter and focus on all the big ideas I wanted to execute in order to stay in line with the big mission I was on. It was a challenge for me to stay present because I felt there was always something more to do yet I wasn’t being productive enough to get it all done. And all this overworking led to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and disappointment. And truth be told, I know I wasn’t performing at my best so I knew the way I was doing things had to change because this future pacing, overworking, and performing was not sustainable! If you can relate, you know what I’m talking about!
So What Can We Do Instead:
Read John Maxwell’s book Today matters, have a goal for the month, and work toward it in weekly chunks! And here’s the deal. 25% of people abandon their goals after one week. So if you’re anything like me hearing “work towards your goals in weekly chunks” can sound like a lot of extra work you don’t wanna do. And I’m with you! So let me help you simplify this baby so we can focus on your 5% activities that yield 95% of your results!
When you chunk your monthly goal into weekly outcomes the process or work required feels less overwhelming and you get the weekly satisfaction of achieving progress within a shorter amount of time (which serves as a double whammy because it also helps you stay motivated)!
There was a study done at the Dominican University of California focused on goal setting and the actual strategies for achieving goals. Here’s what they found:
- Group 1: Was asked to write their goals + commit to an action. This included filling out a survey leading them through a detailed thought process on their goals and setting concrete action commitments. Essentially they were making a commitment, on paper, to achieve their goal.
- Group 2: Wrote their goals on paper + committed to an action + got an accountability partner. This group added the accountability layer to their goals making it harder for them to get off track without anyone knowing.
- Group 3: Did all of the above (Wrote their goals on paper + committed to an action + got an accountability partner) PLUS they had to update their friend or accountability partner on a weekly basis, which kept them focused on their progress.
Which of these 3 groups do you think was the most successful? Too easy right?! Obviously the group with accountability and weekly check-ins! If I had a dollar for every time a client told me they only finish their work because they knew they were jumping on a coaching call with me, I could retire and get paid off the dividends!
Mistake #3: Trying To Figure Things Out On Your Own
As I mentioned in the previous example having consistent accountability forces you to show up, make no excuses, and own your stuff. If you have a bad week and fall off your game you’re able to recognize it a lot faster than you would if you were going at this on your own. Many think that because everything is figureoutable you should just google everything and try to do it on your own, but have you ever noticed that every great athlete, singer, and inspiring leader you look up to has a coach! Whether it’s in the gym or for their life. They choose to be teachable, humble, and open because they understand there is always more you can learn about yourself and the world! Hit play for tips on how to find a mentor without cashing out the big bucks!
Mistake #4: Mismanaging Your Time
In our hustle and grind culture everyone is trying to get more done in less time (the keyword here is trying). Most who struggle with time management have already used at least 13 different methods to control and manage their time yet they are still not hitting their goals like they want to! So what can you do to avoid falling into this time management trap? Hit play to find out!
Let Me Hear Your Thoughts
As always, my only goal is to help you achieve yours! So lemme know if you found this episode helpful by leaving a star rating on Spotify! Every vote counts and it helps me to help you better. Love you and I mean it! Until next time, keep blazing trails trailblazer! Xo.
