If you read that headline, you probably thought that I was being a jerk. Well, I agree! 😉  However, I was also being honest and sometimes those two things just go hand in hand.  I promised myself one thing when I started this site…that I would always be honest, even if it was painful.  And honestly, I’m truly sick of hearing about goal setting!
Chasing The Rainbow…
Maybe I just read to many leadership blogs? Â Maybe I’m cynical because I’ve missed so many of my goals in the past? Â Heck, maybe I just stink at goal setting?
I know that writing down my goals is valuable. Â I also know that clearly defining the behaviors that lead to success and failure are also important. Â I even know that finding powerful motivators and creating instant associations to those items or activities is really good stuff!
So, why do I torture myself by reading all of these posts about goal setting. Â Why am I listening to a Q&A call by Michael Hyatt about “5 Days to My Best Year Ever” while my kids are sleeping and I’m riding my bike?
I think it’s because I want to believe that there is some secret to success hidden in these messages. Â I want to believe that by listening, reading, and watching, that I’ll stumble upon the holy grail of change. Â The truth is that I already know how to change.
The Wall That Separates Me From Who I Want To Be
So, after some time spent reflecting on all of this, I’ve decided that I’m going to reject all new “goal setting” content. Â Sorry Mr. Hyatt!
You see, after many years of goal setting, I’ve realized that when it comes to change, it’s more about the business of doing than it is about learning. Â No matter what I do, I will reach a few goals each year. Â I will also struggle with a few. Â So, what’s the difference?
Tony Robins calls it setting higher standards.  I’m sure everyone is different, but for me, I see it as just forcing it.
You know how you see something in your mind? Â You can see it as a possibility or you can see it as, “this must happen at all costs!”. Â That’s what I mean!
So, I’m not setting any goals for myself. Â I’m not creating an action plan. Â I’m not even going to post anything on my fridge. Â I’m simply going to decide to get a few things done. Â That’s it. Â No more torture, no more strategizing. Â Let’s just get’er done!!
P.S.  I will actually write all this down, because I just can’t help myself…  😉
What about you? Â What’s your take on this stuff?
I go back and forth on this topic. On the one hand, I believe goals can be a huge catalyst in getting things done. On the other hand, I believe goals can become an idol. There has to be a balance. We’ve been given brains and drives to get things done. Goals can help us in achieving great things. But we must first make sure we are putting our focus on the ultimate things and the Ulimate One that matters. Above all else, my goal for 2014 is to follow Christ – to know Him more – to represent Him better – this year. I have other goals, but this is the one that matters.
Awesome point Jon! That really is “The Goal”, isn’t it!