Why People Don't Set Goals

Find out what's stopping you from setting goals, and from pursuing the life of your dreams.

Table of Contents:

1. Baby Steps
2. Feature Article: Why People Don't Set Goals
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Resources: Success
5. Self-Care: Skipping
6. Make a Difference
7. Final Thoughts: Today is My Day!

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1. Baby Steps

As we head into the last quarter of the year, businesses, organizations
and governments are starting to think about their plans for 2002.
Although it may seem a bit early to start thinking about next year,
highly successful individuals have also started this planning process.

In the coming weeks, I request that you begin to think about what
2002 might look like in order to be your best year ever. We started
our series with The Power of Written Goals, and upcoming articles
between now and the end of the year will continue to support you in
this process.

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2. Feature Article: WHY PEOPLE DON'T SET GOALS

After reading the article about the importance of having goals, did
you create your own list of written goals? Given that goal setting is
a common trait of highly successful people, do you now have your
own "roadmap to success"?

If you don't, then you're not alone. In fact, as I stated last time, less
than 3% of the population has a written set of goals, and less than
1% reviews their goals on a regular basis. Why is this, given the
strong correlation between goal setting and success?

Here are several reasons that people don't set goals:

1. They don't realize the importance of goals. Few people think of
goal setting as a skill set that can help them achieve success in their
lives. Because so few people set goals, many people don't typically
come in contact with people who do. The people around them don't
set goals, so they don't set goals either.

2. They have not yet accepted responsibility for their lives. It's easy
to blame circumstances, or other people, for what happens to us. If
people are making excuses and blaming others, than they are not
holding themselves accountable. Without the acceptance of
responsibility, goal setting would be in vain, anyway.

3. They don't know how. Goal setting is a very important skill, and
yet you won't find even a single class in school or college on the
subject. Consequently, people end up with an education that is
missing one of the key ingredients of success. (As an aside, notice
how we aren't taught personal finance, either?) Consequently, even
people who desire a greater level of success in their lives do not
have written goals.

4. Fear of failure. Fear of failure is the biggest single obstacle to
success. Rather than viewing "temporary setbacks" as a necessary
part of succeeding, we attach a negative connotation to failure.
Because most people view failure as painful, and undesirable, they
avoid it at all costs, even if it means giving up on their dreams.
Over time, they rationalize their inaction by settling into their
comfort zones.

5. Fear of success. This fear is rooted in the belief that success
(primarily material success) is bad, or undesirable because of the
high cost attached to it. People who are afraid of success imagine
all kinds of ways in which life would change, and are averse to the
risk of such changes occurring. Interesting enough, the mere
perception of those kinds of changes keeps many people from
pursuing their dreams.

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3. Quotes

This nation was built by men who took risks; pioneers who were
not afraid of the wilderness, businessmen who were not afraid of
failure, scientists who were not afraid of the truth, thinkers who
were not afraid of progress, dreamers who were not afraid of action.
Brooks Atkinson

If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything
is ready, we shall never begin.
Ivan Turgenev

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Wayne Gretzky

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mohandas Ghandi

If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
Whatever your answer, start doing it now.
Brian Tracy

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4. Recommended Resources: SUCCESS

The Psychology of Achievement
by Brian Tracy

This remarkable program reveals strategies to elevate your
income, put your career on the fast track and accomplish more
than you ever dreamed possible.
To order tape set, click here

Take Charge of Your Life
by Jim Rohn

America's foremost business philosopher arms you with tools
to improve the quality of your life. Jim is a pleasure to listen to,
and his talks are chock full of ideas to help you achieve personal
success.
To order tape set, click here

See You at the Top
by Zig Ziglar

Climb the stairway to personal success with Zig Ziglar, one of
America's best motivational speakers.
To order book, click here

The Power of Positive Thinking
by Norman Vincent Peale

A classic guide to self-esteem and success! Read it, then read it again.
To order book, click here

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5. Self-Care: SKIPPING

Thinking about skipping your workout today? Why not make
skipping your exercise for the day? My children do it for fun.
But skipping can provide a good aerobic workout, and mixes
up the routine. Here are a few reasons to consider it:

1. Skipping burns twice as many calories as walking.
2. It improves agility, balance and coordination.
3. The moderate impact helps to strengthen your bones.
4. It's different!
5. It can be a fun family activity.

The next time you think about skipping your workout, make
skipping your workout!

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6. Make a Difference

The Breast Cancer Research Stamp

In August, 2000, the Unites States Post Office issued a postage
stamp to help raise funds for breast cancer research. The stamp is
the first U.S. stamp in history to have its proceeds above the cost
of postage earmarked for research organizations.

For Americans, this is a very easy method of contributing to the
fight against breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer among women. The stamp costs 40 cents, and is valid for
postage in the amount of the prevailing 34-cent First-Class letter
rate. Make this your "stamp of choice" the next time you visit the
Post Office.

For our readers outside the U.S., please seek out ways in your own
country to support breast cancer research.

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7. Final Thoughts: TODAY IS MY DAY!

Today my thoughts are centered on expecting only the best and
giving only the best.

Today my mind and heart are open to new opportunities and I
make the most out of every situation.

Today I will smile and act enthusiastically in everything I do.
I will make every person I meet feel very important and I will
show them that I care.

Today my confidence is high and I am willing to step out and
take a chance.
I speak freely to all those I meet.
I know I have something valuable to contribute.
I expect results today and my time is well invested.

Today I am one step closer to achieving my goals and dreams.
I always keep my eyes focused on success and prosperity.

Today I will sow good seed so that I will reap my harvest of reward.

Today is my day!

Author Unknown

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Thank you for reading the LifeExcellence Newsletter.
Make today YOUR day!
- Brian Bartes

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goals? What if you had someone to support, motivate, challenge
and encourage you as you play at a new level?
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For more information on coaching, please visit our website at
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