Goal Setting: More than Just Wishful Thinking
A few years ago, I was determined to learn to play the guitar. I pictured myself strumming confidently, belting out covers as a party trick with ease. So, I set a goal: learn a few songs by the end of the summer. I watched video tutorials and even set aside specific times to practice throughout the week. But as the weeks passed, I found myself skipping sessions and making excuses. Come September, my “goal” was gathering dust in the corner.
That failed attempt used to bother me a lot until I realized why it didn’t work. I set the goal but didn’t define a clear path or motivation beyond “it would be nice.” It wasn’t anchored in why it mattered to me or what steps would keep me motivated through the hard parts.
In a recent episode of the Be A Marketer podcast, Tracey Lee Davis , owner of ZingPop Social Media , spoke with host Dave Charest about how she learned to align her business goals with actionable plans and deeper motivations. She started her business after a push from unexpected unemployment, and it wasn’t built on vague aspirations; it grew from tangible steps, driven by a mix of passion and a desire for security.?
Tracey’s story highlights what it really takes to set effective goals. It’s not about just saying, I want to achieve this, like I did with the guitar. It’s about clearly defining who you want to reach, what steps you need to take, and reminding yourself why it’s important. For her, it was about reclaiming control of her career after an uncertain period.?
What I took away from her episode, and what I wish I’d known during my guitar “experiment,” is that goals need purpose. They need steps. And they need to be revisited, adjusted, and motivated by more than fleeting enthusiasm. Tracey didn’t just say, I want to start a business; she broke that dream into steps that she could tackle, learn from each stage, and pivot as needed.
Take Action
Here’s a challenge for you: Take one of your current goals and break it down. What small, actionable steps can you map out to get there? Goals need more than ambition; they need a plan.
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4 个月This was an inspiring story.
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4 个月This a great! Thanks so much for sharing your story about your goals!