This is the third of 3 posts on goal setting excuses. (Here are the first and second posts in the series.)
Setting BIG goals, without some reference to a higher vision or purpose can be less than inspiring.
In fact, downright dull.
Words I often hear from people who say they detest setting BIG goals are: “It’s sooo boring!”
You know, they could be right! 
Let’s examine some goal setting excuses and see if it’s possible to turn them around by using a self-coaching tool called ‘reframing’.
Excuse #1: BIG Goals stress me out!
Well, if they’re someone else’s goals, they surely will - pretty much guaranteed!
One of the interesting things I’ve noticed about stressed out goal setters is that their approach often lacks an effective supporting structure…
… with the result that the goal is doomed from the start because they’re swimming hard against the currents of life, instead of with them.
Excuse #2: Most BIG goals are never met - therefore setting BIG goals is a waste of time.
I call this limiting approach - ” setting all or nothing” goals.
For example: assume you ‘want’ to legally double your annual income within the next 3 years.
Knowing that your present reality is a great feedback mechanism (i.e. what are you earning now and for what service or skill provided?) and an opportunity to course correct, this excuse is pretty lame.
Hint: Some specific BIG goals are not necessarily going to be achieved in ANY given time frame.
Instead, you can choose to head in that goal’s general direction - and allow life, inspired action and hard work to deal their cards.
You’ll then get more feedback - plus and minus - on whether this is working for you or not.
Next up are the coaching re-frames which have helped some people let go of these excuses:
Re-frame#1:
Imagine that direct involvement with this big goal may be important to your future success and happiness, starting right now.
e.g. If you dream of opening your own business after leaving an employee role, then begin by viewing all daily tasks and personalties in your current workplace through that filter.
Ask yourself:
“If I was a business owner, what would I do?”
“If I was in charge, how would I behave?”
Reframe#2:
Make a list of all the people, places, and resources that might be able to help you.
Now take the big goal which is stressing you out, and break down the first major action (pick one!) into a number of small steps.
Finally, match up what appears to be step 1 with a resource item on your list and start taking what simple action you think appropriate.
- Mark McClure
PS - Do you mid-lifers have any goal setting excuses you’d like to share from experience?
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