THE 7 SINS IN THE CREATION OF GOALS

 There are certain mistakes we must avoid when creating our goals in life:

Sin 1. Not writing down your goals.

“Out of sight, out of mind.” It's easy to forget what we want to do if we don't constantly keep it in mind. The best way to reinforce a new concept we want to learn and maintain a long-term commitment is to write it down and keep it somewhere we can always see it. This way, we can remember the reasons why we're doing what we're doing.

Sin 2. Having unclear motives.

It's crucial that your goals be personal and profound; otherwise, we won't have a real reason to work on them. In other words, the reason why we want to achieve a goal will always be more important than the what we want to achieve. Think of that goal of “becoming a millionaire.” This goal is completely meaningless unless we have a strong reason for wanting to have a lot of money. If your reason is simply to be able to buy more things or satisfy your shopping habits, you certainly won't be motivated enough to go for it.

However, if your motivation is to pay off your family's debts, donate something to a charity, or start a new social project, you will certainly feel more passionate about achieving that goal and completing your project. No matter what your reason is for doing what you do, there must be an important and personal reason for it to work.

Sin 3. Creating Unrealistic Goals

We have to differentiate between big goals and unrealistic goals. Many people believe that they shouldn't think or imagine a better future than they can have with the resources they have right now. This isn't the case. Effort and dedication can take us much further than we could have ever imagined.

However, we have to be aware of who we are and what types of things can be achieved if we put all our energy into it and what types of things can't. Likewise, we must be aware that if we set ourselves very short deadlines to achieve a huge goal, the only thing we will most likely achieve is a high level of stress and frustration.

"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." – Warren Buffett.

Sin 4. Not Creating a Plan

When we consciously plan the steps we will take to achieve our goal, it can protect us from many failures. Writing down our goal is just the introduction to a great life story. After that, it's the plan, the thing that will lead us to that happy ending we are seeking. The plan is the map that shows us the path we must follow.

Be patient and enjoy the process; that's what life is all about. Invest time creating the plan for your journey to find the best route, which will take you to your goal in the best possible time.

Remember that this plan must be evaluated often to see if it is working the way you want it to. If this isn't the case, you can adapt and modify it and continue.

Sin 5. Not Acting

Having a perfect goal and work plan are completely useless unless we put them into action. Even if your plan is there to keep you focused, there will be no change or progress unless we take responsibility and start moving and leave our comfort zone. Furthermore, only through your actions will you be able to see if your plan is correct or needs to be improved and adapted to truly achieve the goal.

Sin 6. Losing Focus

To successfully achieve the goal you desire, you need to stay focused. Sometimes you may lose your focus, which isn't serious; the important thing is to regain it as soon as possible. To stay focused, ask for help from trusted people who can support you when you try to stray from the path you have set out to follow. You can share your successes and failures with them and the lessons learned from each experience. Sin 7. Not Following Through

Goal setting is a lifelong process. There's no point in creating a set of goals for your life if you're not going to take action to achieve them. Your goals and action plans are the map to a meaningful life. They're what will give you guidance in times when you don't know where you're going. However, if you're not consistent and follow through with your goals, you'll live a life full of frustration, with very little satisfaction, and you'll never understand your true abilities and potential.

Our priorities and goals may shift as we progress through life. When this happens, it's important to stop, reflect, and consider the entire set of goals we've created. Doing this often ensures that our goals remain relevant to us.

As long as the sense of connection to our goals remains, we will have the ability to continue acting, empowered and certain that we will find the fulfillment we all long for.