Disclosure: Please note that different tools or products that I mention here contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission if you buy them through my links. I personally use some of these tools and they bring me satisfaction. I’m also convinced that they can help you be successful. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Hey there…
Did you know that some people never really achieve their goals just because they believe in some myths that prevent them from setting their goals?
Now, the thing is that there are many myths about goal setting.
A lot of these have to do with how good a person will be when they reach a specific goal and about how long it is going to take them to achieve their goal.
So we’re going to look at those myths in this article so that you can get rid of them and finally achieve your goals.
Some people have no problem at all with the goal-setting process. They work toward their goals because they want to. Others think about the process and set goals but fail to act on those goals because they are uncomfortable with the effort involved.
Success does not come naturally to some people. It takes effort and commitment on their part. Some people think that they just have to “want” success and they will be successful.
Others think that there is some magic to success that is out of their reach and without effort they will be successful.
The key to any of these thoughts is that they do not understand that they must work at achieving their own personal progress. Without action, they will be unsuccessful and are not succeeding with their own personal goals.
Success is in the mind. If for any reason you cannot control your mind, this means that probably you cannot control your life and your destiny. It is as simple as that.
When you want to achieve your personal goals, the first step is to come up with a list of goals. Your list needs to contain specific actions that you want to accomplish in order to reach your goals.
It is best to come up with your goals as soon as possible. It can be hard to do this once the motivation has worn off.
Once you know what your personal goals are, you need to plan out your actions for getting there. It helps to write down your goals on paper so that you can refer back to them as you move forward.
You also need to decide what each of your personal goals means to you. Some goals might mean a change in lifestyle or career. Other goals might mean building a business, changing your personality, or seeing a different side of yourself.
Once you have decided what each goal means to you, then you need to set a time for achieving each goal. It can be difficult to make sure that you set yourself up for success so that you do not get sidetracked from the main goal of reaching your personal goals.
To know if your ultimate goal is possible, you must take the time to focus on that goal and I mean stay focused.
For example, if you want to start your own blog to grow your business or to communicate your passions with your audience, you need to do whatever it takes to create and launch a blog.
Then you must network with top bloggers in your niche to see how they manage their blogging business. Once you find a top blogger or two you want to learn from, make sure to check if they have created a few online courses on how to blog, etc.
If they have a course, you must be ready to invest some money and buy their course so you will be able to speed your success.
When you know how to achieve your personal goals, it becomes easier to achieve them. It can help to set a daily goal and stick to it until you have reached that goal.
Your results will show you exactly what it takes to get there and you will then be motivated to continue on your path towards your goal.
This is the secret to achieving success in any area of your life. It is not about trying to act like someone else and be someone else. It is about doing what you do and becoming who you truly are.
In today’s world, a lot of people are lacking self-confidence. If you are one of those people who struggle with this issue, then you should work on improving your confidence to help you reach your goals. It is very simple, but it can be very powerful if you put your mind to it.
There are a bunch of common myths around goal-setting that ought to be busted once and for all.
The first myth that you need to get rid of is that you should not start trying to reach a goal until you have tried for a long time to reach it.
That is because sometimes you can only succeed when you have failed at something else before. So this means that if you have failed to reach your goal for a while then it is probably time for you to start working on it.
Another thing that you can do is to avoid quitting at the last moment. Because sometimes people will start to think that if they fail to reach their goal, they will not be able to live up to their goals.
The last myth that you need to get rid of is that you should never try to keep on improving on something that you are already doing. You will get frustrated if you keep on working hard on something that you are already doing correctly.
So, if you keep doing something that you have already learned and mastered then you are doing something wrong. Instead, you need to start working on things that you know nothing about to help yourself when you start on your goal setting journey.
That being said, without further ado, here are 5 myths about goal setting and how to get rid of them.
1. Your past determines your future
That’s absolutely not true. Your past does not always determine your future. Everyone who is decided to achieving his goals has got to be clear with the statements “I haven’t won” and “I cannot win” and understand that they’re in no way interconnected.
Generally, people have a handicapped mindset that’s clinging to their failures within the past over-analyzing that the result is going to be similar in their future too.
But outcomes shouldn’t be over-analyzed. Any time you encounter a failure is because you were lacking something then: like for instance, the proper attitude, an accurate approach, the required resources, or anything for that matter.
If you have encountered failure in the past, it doesn’t mean that success is going to be always out of reach for you. It means that you must learn from your past failures and do what it takes to avoid repeating the same mistakes again.
What I want you to understand here, is, of course, your past can have a major impact on your current life and in your future. But even if you have gone through many failures before, you still can make it happen if you try just one more time.
All it takes is changing your mindset and your attitude. By changing the assumption, you’ll change the result.
2. It’s Important to succeed in all of your Goals
One of the most important and therefore the commonest myths that folks accept is that they need to accomplish all the set goals. Fortunately, once again that’s not true.
Studies show that if an individual achieves 50% of the goals set for himself, then his life is sure to be 100% better than the one which has no goals set in the least. And knowing that more than 90% of people never achieve their goals according to science, if you could achieve just 1% of your goals, it can be considered as a victory.
Things don’t always work out the way we want them to in life. There are uncertainties with almost everything, even life itself.
So, don’t run towards being a perfectionist trying to achieving everything. Target for 100% and if you attain even 50%, then you’re absolutely doing great.
Celebrate the goals that you simply accomplish, and therefore the ones that you simply fail at, target them for the next goal cycle.
3. Writing out your goals isn’t that Necessary
A lot of people don’t bother to write down their goals. Simply put, they think that they have some kind of superpower and that they will memorize everything.
On the other hand, the irony is that they have every damn detail of their shopping bills, the itinerary of their vacation and hotel booking, and so on and so forth.
But when it involves some significant decisions and hopes for their own future, writing down what they are planning to do to change things in their life becomes too demanding. Strange but true!
Such people are generally found stalling out never making sufficient progress in their goals.
So, if you would like to ascertain a big change within the progress of your goals, then you would like to them down. you’re more likely to realize what you desire if you write it down.
Psychology says that once we formulate something then that thing engages our mind more than our desire.
If you write your goals, this can be on a piece of paper, in a live journal or on a blog just like this one you’re reading right now, you visualize it and thus, you’re more likely to taking a step closer to realize it.
4. Failure is encountered once you fall short
Often people think that missing the benchmark is like a failure. That’s when one only measures the gap rather than measuring the gain.
Once you start measuring the gain, you develop a far-flung vision of visualizing how far you’ve come and what you’ve already won losing that benchmark.
You have to be brave enough to redefine failure. Analyzing the reason for missing the goal is equally as important as losing it.
Once you probe the explanations and introspect, you get to understand your shortcomings and thus determine new ways of improving. Recognize your progress parallel so as to remain motivated.
5. No need to set goals because goals don’t work as life is unpredictable
Yes! Life is unpredictable. We all know it!
When you have clear, long-term goals for your future that are aimed to realize a selected and realistic result, you’re on the proper path. Those who set goals also set definite plans and a protocol to accomplishing them.
One thing you should always remember here is that though the goals you had previously planned change over the course of your time, the end result is still the goal that was initially set.
Yes, the very fact is that life is unpredictable, so are the plans. With the many events that our lives encounter, our plans do change.
In fact, smart and successful people adapt and can change their course of action when the situation requires them to.
So the bottom line is that goals work albeit life is unpredictable, just that the plans are twisted and tweaked here and there to realize the specified goals.
Therefore, if you want to be like the 8% of people achieve their goals, It is advised to change your mindset and get rid of these myths that kill more goals than anything else.
6 -You Can’t Adjust Your Goals Once You’ve Set Them
Who told you that?
Let no one deceive you! One of the most pervasive myths about goal setting is the idea that once you’ve committed to a goal, any change to it is a sign of failure or a lack of commitment.
This belief is a total myth, my friend! It can create unnecessary stress and pressure, often leading people to abandon their goals entirely rather than adapt them to changing circumstances. In reality, the ability to adjust your goals is not only practical but a hallmark of resilience and long-term success.
Life is full of unexpected twists, like financial changes, health challenges, shifting priorities, or opportunities you couldn’t have foreseen. A rigid approach to goal setting fails to account for this unpredictability.
When circumstances change, clinging stubbornly to a goal that no longer aligns with your reality or values can waste time and energy, leaving you feeling defeated.
Instead, reassessing and realigning your goals shows that you’re responsive and proactive, qualities that lead to sustainable success.
Take, for example, someone whose original goal was to run a marathon within a year. Let’s say, the marathon of Boston. If they sustain an injury that requires months of physical therapy, the goal may no longer be achievable in the original timeframe.
Rather than giving up entirely on their dreams, they could adapt the goal to something like completing a half-marathon, or focusing on strength training while recovering. This adjustment allows them to continue making progress without compromising their health.
You see, adjusting your goals doesn’t mean lowering your standards or “giving up.” It simply means acknowledging your current circumstances and finding a new way forward.
It can also mean refining your goals as you gain more clarity. When you first set a goal, you might not have all the information or experience needed to fully understand the path ahead. As you learn and grow, it’s natural—and wise—to refine your objectives to better reflect your evolving vision.
Another reason to embrace flexibility is that rigid goals can sometimes lead to burnout. When you feel trapped by an unchangeable goal, the pressure to meet it, even at the cost of your well-being, can drain your energy and enthusiasm.
Adjusting your goals allows you to prioritize your health and happiness, ensuring you remain motivated and energized.
To embrace this type of mindset, consider building periodic check-ins into your goal-setting process. Reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and whether your goals still align with your values and circumstances.
Ask yourself: Has anything changed? Is this goal still serving me? What adjustments can I make to stay on track without losing sight of my overall vision?
So, my advice here, or at least what I want you to understand is that adjusting your goals is not a sign of failure. On the contrary, it’s a sign of growth. It shows that you’re adaptable, self-aware, and committed to long-term success.
Life is dynamic, and your goals should be too. By allowing yourself the freedom to adapt, you set yourself up for a journey that’s not only productive but fulfilling, no matter where it takes you.
7 – Achieving Goals Requires Sacrificing Everything Else
Hahahah… I don’t need to tell you that this myth also is wrong!
Listen! To succed, you don’t have to neglect your health, relationships, or happiness. On the contrary, prioritizing self-care and loved ones enhances your ability to succeed.
One of the most damaging myths about goal setting is the belief that success requires complete sacrifice. I’m talking about working relentlessly at the expense of your own physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships.
While hard work and dedication are important, the idea that you must “grind” non-stop to achieve your goals is not only unsustainable, but also counterproductive.
Neglecting your health and relationships while chasing success can lead to burnout, stress, and feelings of isolation.
Achieving a milestone may feel hollow if your body is exhausted, your mind is frazzled, and your relationships have suffered. True success is about more than just reaching a goal—it’s about creating a life that feels fulfilling and well-rounded.
For me, the reality is that balance is essential for sustainable success. Taking care of your body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest gives you the energy and focus needed to tackle challenges effectively.
Similarly, nurturing your relationships provides emotional support and perspective, keeping you grounded and motivated when the journey gets tough.
Successful people often credit their achievements to the strength of their support systems and the time they dedicate to recharging. For example, a busy entrepreneur might schedule weekly family dinners or set aside time for a favorite hobby.
These moments of connection and relaxation prevent burnout and boost creativity, making it easier to approach goals with clarity and enthusiasm.
Rather than sacrificing everything, aim for a balanced approach to goal setting. This means that you must incorporate self-care and time for loved ones into your schedule.
Remember, a fulfilling life isn’t about achieving one big goal at any cost—it’s about thriving in every area of your life, so success feels meaningful and worth celebrating.
8 – Motivation Is All You Need to Achieve Goals
For me, all I can say is that motivation can come and go. But discipline and consistent action keep you moving forward even when you don’t feel like it.
For many, motivation is often seen as the key driver of success. The truth is, while motivation can spark your journey, it’s not enough to sustain long-term progress.
Motivation is like a flame of a candle. It burns brightly in the beginning but can fade over time, especially when faced with challenges or monotony. What separates those who achieve their goals from those who fall short isn’t constant motivation; it’s discipline and consistent action.
Relying solely on motivation can be risky because depending on many factors, it fluctuates. One day you might feel unstoppable, brimming with excitement about your goal. The next day, doubts or fatigue can creep in, making it tempting to skip a workout, procrastinate on a project, or stray from your plan.
This is where discipline comes in. Discipline is the habit of taking action regardless of how you feel. It’s what gets you out of bed on days when staying under the covers feels more appealing.
Consistency is another key factor. Even small, incremental steps taken daily or weekly can build momentum over time.
For example, writing one page a day may not seem like much, but after a year, you’ll have a full manuscript. Similarly, saving a little money regularly can lead to a significant fund down the road.
Developing discipline doesn’t mean being hard on yourself—it means creating systems and routines that support your goals. Set reminders, use habit trackers, and remove distractions that might derail your progress. Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you.
Ultimately, motivation might get you started, but discipline and consistency will carry you through the inevitable ups and downs.
By focusing on these principles, you can stay on track and achieve your goals, even when motivation ebbs and flows.
9 – You Have to Wait for the Right Time
Myth: Many believe there’s a “perfect time” to set goals—whether it’s a new year, a career milestone, or when life feels stable.
Truth: The best time to start is now. Waiting for ideal circumstances often results in missed opportunities. Life is rarely perfect, but taking action today moves you closer to your dreams.
10 – Goals Must Be Big and Ambitious
Myth: Only massive, life-changing goals are worth setting.
Truth: Small, consistent goals can lead to significant achievements over time. In fact, breaking down big goals into smaller steps makes them more manageable and less overwhelming.
11 – If You Fail, It Means You’re Not Meant to Achieve It
Myth: Failure is a sign to quit.
Truth: Failure is a natural part of the journey. It’s a learning opportunity that helps refine your approach and build resilience. Most successful people failed many times before achieving their dreams.
How to set your goals properly and achieve success in your life
Learning the steps to setting your goals is not that hard. The only key to remember is to plan ahead of time.
How to set your goals properly and achieve success in your life is a lot easier when you have a clear idea of what your long-term goals are.
By having a solid foundation to work from, you will be able to focus on the other parts of setting your goals.
In this article, I just wanted to share briefly with you what goals are, why they are important, and how to get rid of some myths about goal setting you needed to know.
It’s really important to understand the difference between a goal and ambition. The purpose of this article is not to go deep into what is a goal because each person has a different meaning of the word goal. But in a nutshell, a goal is nothing more than something you want to achieve in life.
Ambition is thinking you want to achieve something.
If you want to put this in picture, you can think of ambition as something you want to do to get certain results that will allow you to become a better version of yourself. It is this ambition that sets the stage for achieving your goal in life.
Goals are the initial step that will get you started on the road to reaching your long-term goals.
By having your goals written down and mapped out as I told you, you will be better prepared to achieve them. If you don’t get started planning for your long-term goals you will lose momentum along the way.
There are four factors that can cause you to lose your momentum when setting your long-term goals.
These four things are procrastination, inertia, being a slave to fate, and uncertainty. You must learn how to get around these four obstacles if you want to have a successful and fulfilling life.
Procrastination is simply holding back when you don’t know exactly what you want or when you are not sure if you should start to work on your short-term goals. If you’re procrastinating you can’t start your plan.
Inertia is not knowing if you have it in you to actually do it or if you will quit. It’s a worry about what could happen. Of course, there are many factors that will cause you to procrastinate.
Fear of failing is real and you must face your fears. Every time you face your fears and put them into action, you will start moving in the right direction.
Once you start putting forth the effort to move forward and it becomes habitual, the fear begins to go away. It’s important to realize that you are in control of your life and it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to reach your goals.
If you ask me a good way to get around uncertainty is to write down your goals and then write down something else to read as motivation. Your plans will become routine and you will start doing what you were going to do anyway.
Setting your long-term goals means writing down your goals and then tracking and monitoring your progress.
Set up a system where you will keep a log of your progress and your thoughts to help you stay motivated and remind you of what you need to accomplish each day.
All of these things can help you set your long-term goals and have a healthy mindset towards achieving them. When it comes to learning how to set your goals properly and achieve success in your life, this is a very important part of the equation.
If you liked this article, make sure to share it with your friends to spread the word.
Also, please make sure to comment below if you have any idea you would like to share with our readers to help them set their goals properly.