Network Reflections: Why Goals are Bad?

I have been attending so many fantastic networking events to increase PL Projects' engagement with other business leaders and members of our community, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of the lessons I have learned from these networking events, so welcome to NETWORK REFLECTIONS.

Octobers’ Network Reflection is from the Halifax Opportunities Trust HOT Networking Event, lead by Andrew Miller of Business Enjoyment. HOT Networking events occur once a month at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre in Halifax, if interested in registering for one of these events please visit their site on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/halifax-opportunities-trust-15483161731.

In this month’s networking session, Andrew raised the argument that the way we traditionally set SMART goals are incorrect and can set us up for failure. I found his argument extremely interesting and thought provoking because of his suggestions surrounding the dark side to setting goals, such as;

1. The immense amount of pressure and stress you feel when you don’t accomplish your goal.
2.  The inconsistent motivation tactics you experience when trying to obtain your goals – the roller coaster of successes and failures.
3. Can be damaging to your self-worth and allows too much time for reflection on self-doubt.

Instead, Andrew suggested three alternative tactics to achieve your goals:

1. Come from the place of where you want to go, establish the direction instead establishing your future.  
2. Most goals have influential and emotional attachments to them, the key is for you to focus on the influence aspect of your goal rather than the emotional attachment, i.e. not feeling horrible when you don't successfully complete your goal.
3. Focus on the daily actions you need to achieve to get you in the direction of where you would like to go.

Great food for thought for all of us who are currently setting SMART goals to think about trying these creative tactics, let me know if you have any success! I will be giving it a go :).