Smart goal setting is important for every person in order to get what we want in life. Goals are the things that we want to get and these are the reasons behind all the hard work that we do today. Without having a certain goal, one would be astray, not knowing where to go and what to do. In this smart goal setting series, we will be giving you clearer and more detailed ideas on goal setting.

We have already discussed the Reasons Why Smart Goal Setting is Important. Today, we will give you the second part by tackling on the Barriers towards Effective Smart Goal Setting. It is important for use to know what these barriers are so that we can find ways to do away with it and be more determined to reach our goals. So, here are the barriers of smart goal setting that you may take note of:

1. Uncertain of what you want.

Uncertain of what you want
Image: shutterstock

You really won’t be able to set a goal if you are not sure of what you want. Hence, you need to think a lot of times and decide on what you want to aim for. Also, part of knowing what you want is knowing what to do in order to get what you want. Set a clear goal so that you can take the right steps towards it.

2. Lack of focus.

Lack of focus
Image: shutterstock

When you are unable to focus, you might tend to do some things that could not aid you to reach your goals. Also, when you lack focus, you are also delaying the acquisition of your goal. With the so many possible distractions these days, it is indeed a challenge on how to stay focused on your goal.

3. Fear of commitment.

Fear of commitment
Image: shutterstock

One barrier of goal setting is when you are afraid to commit. You might want something to happen but you are afraid to take the steps in order to get it. You are also afraid that you might not be able to do the things needed in order to get what you had been aiming for.

4. Having inappropriate expectations.

Having inappropriate expectations
Image: shutterstock

There are really instances that you aim for something that is actually impossible to attain. Like you might want to finish design school in a just a few days even if it takes months or years to get your diploma. You have to make sure that the goal you will set are achievable. Do not be expecting for something to happen even if there is less or there is no possibility of it occurring.

5. Cannot visualize the results.

Cannot visualize the results
Image: shutterstock

Some people really find it hard to visualize what will happen in the end. This is important because having the right vision of your goal will keep you going and would let you know on what you will get after some hard work. Have a clear vision so you will know if you are taking the right road towards your destination or not.

6. Afraid to face failure.

Afraid to face failure

There are really people who are afraid to fail. They think that they will not be able to handle failure. But we have to bear in mind that once you have set a goal, there are only two spots that you’ll land on, the success spot or the failure spot. You have to prepare yourself for this. But take note that you will never be able to get success if you will not start doing anything.

7. Procrastination.

Procrastination
Image: shutterstock

This is one big barrier to effective smart goal setting. If you tend to procrastinate, you are not just wasting time but you are also breaking the time frame that you need in order to attain your goals. There is also a possibility that your goals will be delayed or you might even get tired and not try to reach it anymore.

8. Lack of confidence.

Lack of confidence
Image: shutterstock

When a person does not believe in himself and in what he can do, he will not be able to do things well. Some people lack self-confidence which is one of the reasons why they cannot get what they want in life. They are afraid to take the first step thinking that they do not have the ability to do it or the ability to finish all the steps in order to get to the finish line.

9. In-activeness and laziness.

In-activeness and laziness
Image: shutterstock

When you want something and just stay in a corner and do nothing, then you won’t be able to get to your goals. Smart goal setting involves being active and dynamic. You have to act like you already got what you want. Be determined and show that by doing something. Do not be lazy because if you will be, you will not succeed.

10. Improper time setting.

Improper time setting
Image: shutterstock

Setting goals include setting time to reach it. If you are not realistic in setting your time and deadlines, then you will also find it impossible to reach a goal. Do not make it too early or too late. Make the time right. See to it that you have enough time to take the steps needed to attain the goals that you set. Time is very important for goal setting.

Something to Look Forward To

Setting goals is not an easy task especially if you look into these barriers. But when you have considered these barriers, you will already be cautious about them and would find ways to do away with them in order to reach your goal. There are actually varying barriers for every individual yet one can overcome any of them if you are determined and motivated.

Since you were already given knowledge on the different barriers of smart goal setting, let us learn what to do in order to achieve smart goal setting. For the third post on this series, we will discuss to you How to Achieve Smart Goal Setting. Look forward for this one because this can surely be helpful for you to get to the end of your rainbow.

Kareen Liez

About the author: A Civil Engineer who has a construction business and a youth volunteer for a civic organization. She also contributes for a local newspaper due to her unwavering passion to write.