1. They have become accustomed to failing the goals they set for themselves as children.
As children we’re often ‘forced’ to decide on goals we want to achieve. The problem is that at a young age we often don’t think through our goals when we set them. Because of that we forget about them and don’t end up achieving them. We grow up with the impression that goals are useless and don’t help us. I know this was my experience.
2. They don’t want to fail, so they don’t set goals for themselves
Remove all risk from the equation. If you set zero goals for yourself then there’s 0% chance of you failing. Of course, at the same time there is 0% chance of you succeeding.
3. They don’t want to fail, so they set very generic goals or don’t write their goals down.
This is similar to not setting goals except that you ensure there is 100% chance of succeeding.
4. Adults in the western world are busy people and don’t have enough time to work towards goals.
This is not a good excuse – we need to correctly prioritize our time. If we care enough about something we’ll find the time to get it done. We may need to sacrifice some things but that’s the cost of success isn’t it?
5. Goals are considered to be for nerds and ‘self-improvement’ weirdos.
This may not be a popular excuse but it does exist. I know that because I used to give that excuse myself. ‘Who sets goals anyway?’ I would mutter to myself. The answer? People who want to get somewhere set goals – so get over it!
6. People don’t think they need to set goals because they’ll get there without them.
For some things (and for some people) this is true. They have enough talent, the right genes and are in the right place at the right time. For most however, it will take much longer to get where you want to be if you don’t set goals, and chances are you won’t get there at all.
7. People are happy where they are in life and therefore are exempt from the need to set goals.
Some people have no desire for progress or self-improvement. In some things this is good and to be sought after, especially if one is content with their money or content with walking through their garden. But you can also be in a state of contentment and about to fall off a cliff. With fitness we need to get to a place where it is safe and healthy, and we maximise our energy levels, then it is good to be content.
Remember, if you don’t set goals you won’t achieve them. That isn’t rocket science so I hope it isn’t news to you, but it’s definitely worth stating. Next week I’ll be writing an article on ‘The Secret Of Setting Goals And Achieving Them‘.
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