Setting and Achieving Attainable Goals: Examples and Strategies

Setting and achieving goals is an essential part of personal and professional development. However, it’s crucial to set realistic and attainable goals to avoid disappointment and demotivation. An attainable goal is one that is achievable and realistic, given your current skills, resources, and circumstances. In this article, we will explore the concept of attainable goals, provide examples, and discuss strategies for setting and achieving them. We will also explore the benefits of setting attainable goals and how they can help you achieve your long-term objectives. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of attainable goals!

Understanding Attainable Goals

Definition of Attainable Goals

Attainable goals refer to the objectives that are realistic, achievable, and within the reach of an individual. These goals are not only challenging but also achievable with dedication, effort, and hard work. Attainable goals can be set in various areas of life, including personal, professional, and educational domains.

The importance of setting attainable goals lies in the fact that they provide a clear direction and motivation to achieve success. When individuals set attainable goals, they create a roadmap for themselves, which helps them stay focused and work towards achieving their objectives. Additionally, attainable goals also help in building self-confidence and self-esteem, as individuals can experience the sense of accomplishment and pride when they achieve their goals.

It is crucial to set attainable goals because they help in creating a sense of purpose and direction in life. Attainable goals also provide a clear path to success, as they help individuals break down their objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. By setting attainable goals, individuals can also measure their progress and evaluate their performance, which helps in identifying areas of improvement and making necessary changes to achieve success.

Furthermore, attainable goals also help in building a sense of accountability and responsibility. When individuals set attainable goals, they become accountable for their actions and decisions, which helps in developing a sense of responsibility towards their objectives. Attainable goals also help in building a sense of discipline and commitment, as individuals need to stay focused and work towards achieving their objectives consistently.

In conclusion, attainable goals are essential for achieving success in life. They provide a clear direction, motivation, and purpose, which helps in achieving objectives. Additionally, attainable goals also help in building self-confidence, accountability, and responsibility, which are essential for achieving success in life.

Characteristics of Attainable Goals

When setting goals, it is important to consider the characteristics of attainable goals. Attainable goals are those that are realistic and achievable within a specific time frame. These goals are important because they provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation for future endeavors.

Some of the key characteristics of attainable goals include:

• Specificity: Attainable goals should be specific and clearly defined. This means outlining the exact steps needed to achieve the goal and what success looks like. For example, instead of setting a goal to “lose weight,” a specific goal might be to “lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising for 30 minutes a day and eating a balanced diet.”
• Measurability: Attainable goals should be measurable, which means there should be a way to track progress and determine when the goal has been achieved. This can be done by setting benchmarks or milestones along the way to the final goal.
• Achievability: Attainable goals should be achievable and realistic. While it is important to set ambitious goals, it is also important to consider the resources and time available to achieve them.
• Relevance: Attainable goals should be relevant to the individual’s overall objectives and align with their values and priorities.
• Time-bound: Attainable goals should have a specific deadline or time frame for completion. This helps to create a sense of urgency and accountability for achieving the goal.

By considering these characteristics when setting goals, individuals can increase their chances of success and avoid setting goals that are too difficult or unrealistic to achieve.

Benefits of Attainable Goals

Achieving attainable goals can bring about a range of benefits that can positively impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Some of the key benefits of attainable goals include:

• Improved motivation and productivity: When goals are attainable, they provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue working towards achieving them. This can lead to increased productivity, as individuals are more likely to focus on tasks that are achievable and meaningful to them.
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem: Achieving attainable goals can boost an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem. When individuals achieve their goals, they are more likely to believe in their abilities and feel empowered to take on new challenges.
• Enhanced focus and prioritization: Attainable goals can help individuals prioritize their tasks and focus on what is most important. By setting achievable goals, individuals can prioritize their efforts and allocate their time and resources more effectively.

Overall, setting and achieving attainable goals can have a positive impact on an individual’s motivation, self-confidence, and productivity. By setting realistic and achievable goals, individuals can focus on making progress and achieving success in their personal and professional lives.

Strategies for Setting Attainable Goals

Goal Setting Theory

Explanation of Edwin A. Locke’s goal-setting theory

Edwin A. Locke’s goal-setting theory, which was first introduced in the late 1960s, posits that setting specific and challenging goals can lead to higher levels of performance and motivation. According to Locke, goals serve as a roadmap that guides individuals towards their desired outcomes, and they can be broken down into two main types: easy goals and difficult goals.

Easy goals are those that are simple to achieve and do not require much effort or commitment. On the other hand, difficult goals are those that require significant effort, commitment, and perseverance to achieve. Locke argued that difficult goals are more effective in enhancing performance and motivation than easy goals because they challenge individuals to stretch their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Overview of the five principles of goal setting

Locke identified five principles of goal setting that can help individuals set attainable goals and achieve them successfully. These principles include:

1. Goal specificity: Setting specific goals that are clearly defined and measurable can help individuals focus their efforts and increase their chances of success.
2. Goal difficulty: Setting challenging goals that are just beyond one’s current abilities can help individuals push themselves to improve and achieve more than they would with easy goals.
3. Goal commitment: Individuals are more likely to achieve their goals if they are committed to them and believe that they are achievable.
4. Goal complexity: Breaking down complex goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help individuals stay focused and motivated.
5. Goal feedback: Providing regular feedback on progress towards goals can help individuals stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

By following these principles, individuals can set attainable goals that are challenging yet achievable, and that can help them stay motivated and focused on their desired outcomes.

SMART Criteria

Detailed Explanation of the SMART Criteria for Setting Attainable Goals

The SMART criteria is a popular framework for setting attainable goals. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Specific

The first criterion of the SMART framework is specificity. A specific goal is one that is clearly defined and easily understood. It should describe what you want to achieve in detail, including the who, what, when, where, and why. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “lose weight,” a specific goal would be “lose 10 pounds in 2 months by exercising for 30 minutes every day and eating a balanced diet.”

Measurable

The second criterion of the SMART framework is measurability. A measurable goal is one that can be quantified and tracked. It should include a specific metric for success, such as a number, percentage, or timeframe. For example, a measurable goal might be “increase website traffic by 20% in 3 months.”

Achievable

The third criterion of the SMART framework is achievability. An achievable goal is one that is realistic and attainable given your current circumstances and resources. It should be challenging but not impossible to achieve. For example, instead of setting a goal to run a marathon in 2 weeks, a more achievable goal might be to run a 5K race in 4 weeks.

Relevant

The fourth criterion of the SMART framework is relevance. A relevant goal is one that aligns with your overall objectives and values. It should be meaningful and important to you, and should contribute to your long-term success. For example, if your goal is to start a business, a relevant goal might be to develop a marketing plan and conduct market research.

Time-bound

The fifth criterion of the SMART framework is time-bound. A time-bound goal is one that has a specific deadline or timeframe. It should include a clear timeline for completion, such as a date or a range of dates. For example, a time-bound goal might be “complete a draft of the book by December 31st.”

Tips for Using the SMART Criteria Effectively

To use the SMART criteria effectively, it’s important to apply each criterion to your goal and ensure that it meets all of the requirements. You should also regularly review and adjust your goals as needed to ensure that they remain relevant and achievable. Additionally, it can be helpful to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and to track your progress along the way. Finally, remember that setting attainable goals is just the first step – it’s also important to take action and put in the effort required to achieve them.

Prioritization Techniques

Prioritization techniques are essential for setting attainable goals. These techniques help you focus on the most important objectives and ensure that you allocate your resources effectively. Here are some of the most effective prioritization techniques:

The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular prioritization technique that helps you categorize your goals based on their urgency and importance. This matrix was developed by former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who believed that focusing on urgent and important tasks was crucial for achieving success.

The matrix consists of four quadrants, each representing a different level of urgency and importance:

1. Urgent and Important: These are tasks that require immediate attention and are critical to achieving your goals. Examples include deadlines, emergencies, and important meetings.
2. Not Urgent but Important: These are tasks that are important but do not require immediate attention. Examples include long-term projects, personal development, and professional growth.
3. Urgent but Not Important: These are tasks that require immediate attention but do not contribute to your overall goals. Examples include interruptions, distractions, and unnecessary meetings.
4. Not Urgent and Not Important: These are tasks that do not require immediate attention and do not contribute to your overall goals. Examples include procrastination, social media, and television.

By using the Eisenhower Matrix, you can prioritize your goals and tasks based on their urgency and importance. This can help you focus on the most critical objectives and ensure that you allocate your resources effectively.

Action Planning

Action planning is a critical strategy for setting attainable goals. It involves breaking down a long-term goal into smaller, manageable tasks that can be accomplished over time. By creating an action plan, individuals can set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that are more likely to be achieved.

To create an action plan for attainable goals, follow these steps:

1. Start by identifying your long-term goal. This could be something like “I want to run a marathon in six months.”
2. Break down the goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, “I will run three times a week and gradually increase my distance by one mile each week.”
3. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for each task. For example, “I will run three miles on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and I will increase my distance to four miles by the end of next week.”
4. Create a schedule for completing each task. This could involve creating a calendar or using a planner to schedule your runs each week.
5. Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. This could involve tracking your runs in a journal or using a fitness app to monitor your progress.

By following these steps, you can create an action plan that will help you set and achieve attainable goals. Action planning is a powerful tool for achieving long-term goals, and it can help you stay motivated and focused along the way.

Accountability and Support

Explanation of the Role of Accountability and Support in Achieving Goals

Accountability and support play a crucial role in the process of achieving goals. Accountability refers to the obligation or responsibility to fulfill a task or achieve a specific outcome. Support, on the other hand, refers to the help and encouragement provided by others to achieve a goal. Both accountability and support are essential for setting and achieving attainable goals.

Discussion of Ways to Establish Accountability and Seek Support in Goal Achievement

Establishing accountability and seeking support are key strategies for setting and achieving attainable goals. Here are some ways to establish accountability and seek support:

Accountability

1. Set specific and measurable goals: Setting specific and measurable goals can help establish accountability. By defining the desired outcome, it becomes easier to track progress and stay on track.
2. Create a plan of action: Developing a plan of action can help establish accountability. Breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks can help to stay on track and measure progress.
3. Find an accountability partner: Finding an accountability partner can help establish accountability. This can be a friend, family member, or colleague who shares a similar goal and can provide encouragement and support.
4. Track progress: Tracking progress can help establish accountability. By regularly reviewing progress, it becomes easier to identify areas that need improvement and stay on track.

Support

1. Seek out a mentor or coach: Seeking out a mentor or coach can provide valuable support in achieving goals. A mentor or coach can provide guidance, encouragement, and support.
2. Join a support group: Joining a support group can provide valuable support in achieving goals. A support group can provide a community of individuals who share similar goals and can provide encouragement and support.
3. Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can provide support in achieving goals. For example, there are online communities, forums, and social media groups that can provide encouragement and support.
4. Seek professional help: If needed, seeking professional help can provide valuable support in achieving goals. A therapist, counselor, or life coach can provide guidance, encouragement, and support.

Review and Adjustment

Importance of Regular Review and Adjustment of Goals

The process of setting and achieving goals is not a one-time task. It requires constant evaluation and adjustment to ensure that you are on the right track towards achieving your objectives. Regular review and adjustment of goals is essential to maintain motivation, track progress, and make necessary changes to your plan.

Explanation of How to Review and Adjust Goals for Continued Progress

To effectively review and adjust your goals, follow these steps:

1. Assess Your Progress: Regularly assess your progress towards your goals. Evaluate what you have achieved so far and identify any areas where you may be falling behind.
2. Review Your Goals: Take time to review your goals and assess whether they are still relevant and achievable. Consider whether your goals need to be modified or if new goals need to be added.
3. Evaluate Your Resources: Evaluate the resources you have at your disposal and determine whether they are sufficient to achieve your goals. If not, consider whether you need to acquire additional resources or make changes to your plan.
4. Identify Obstacles: Identify any obstacles that may be preventing you from achieving your goals. Consider what steps you can take to overcome these obstacles and make necessary adjustments to your plan.
5. Adjust Your Plan: Based on your assessment, adjust your plan as needed. This may involve modifying your goals, changing your approach, or acquiring additional resources.

By regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals, you can ensure that you are on track towards achieving your objectives. This process also helps to maintain motivation and prevents feelings of overwhelm or discouragement.

Examples of Attainable Goals

Personal Development Goals

When it comes to setting attainable personal development goals, it’s important to choose objectives that are challenging but achievable. Here are some examples of attainable personal development goals:

1. Improving time management skills: Many people struggle with managing their time effectively. Setting a goal to complete a time management course or to practice certain time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks or batching similar tasks together, can help improve productivity and reduce stress.
2. Developing a new skill: Learning a new skill can be a great way to challenge yourself and improve your overall abilities. Examples of attainable skills to learn include a new language, a musical instrument, or a new software program.
3. Reading more books: Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge and improve your communication skills. Setting a goal to read a certain number of books each month or to read books on a specific topic can help you stay motivated and focused.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is essential for physical and mental health. Setting a goal to exercise for a certain amount of time each day or to try a new type of exercise can help you establish a regular routine and improve your overall health.
5. Setting aside time for self-care: Self-care is essential for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Setting a goal to schedule time for activities such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help you prioritize your own needs and improve your mental health.

When setting personal development goals, it’s important to choose objectives that are meaningful and relevant to your personal situation. It’s also important to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, you can increase your chances of success and stay motivated along the way.

Career Goals

Attainable Career Goals

When it comes to setting career goals, it’s important to make sure they are attainable. Here are some examples of attainable career goals:

• Earning a promotion within the next year
• Completing a certification or training program
• Improving public speaking skills
• Developing a new skill or proficiency in a specific software program
• Creating a professional development plan for the next six months

Setting Attainable Career Goals

To set attainable career goals, it’s important to start by assessing your current skills and experience. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve or develop new skills.

Next, consider what steps you need to take to achieve your goals. What specific actions do you need to take, and what resources do you need to access to make those actions happen?

It’s also important to set realistic timelines for achieving your goals. Make sure you’re setting goals that are challenging but achievable within a reasonable timeframe.

Finally, make sure you have a plan for measuring your progress. This will help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed to ensure you’re on the path to achieving your goals.

Health and Fitness Goals

When it comes to setting attainable goals, health and fitness goals are a great place to start. These goals can range from something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day to something more specific like completing a half-marathon.

• Examples of attainable health and fitness goals:
  • Walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Completing a 5k race
  • Lifting a certain amount of weight
  • Meditating for 10 minutes a day
  • Drinking 8 glasses of water a day
• Discussion of how to set attainable health and fitness goals:
  1. Start small: When setting a health and fitness goal, it’s important to start small and gradually increase the difficulty over time. This will help prevent burnout and increase the likelihood of success.
  2. Make it specific: Be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying “I want to get in shape,” say “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 2 months.”
  3. Set a deadline: Setting a deadline for your goal will give you a sense of urgency and help you stay motivated.
  4. Break it down: Break your goal down into smaller, manageable steps. This will make it easier to track your progress and stay on track.
  5. Seek support: Seek support from friends, family, or a fitness professional. Having someone to hold you accountable can be a great motivator.
  6. Celebrate progress: Celebrate your progress along the way. This will help you stay motivated and encourage you to keep going.

By following these tips, you can set and achieve attainable health and fitness goals that will improve your overall well-being.

Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is an important aspect of personal finance. Financial goals can range from saving for a short-term emergency fund to saving for long-term goals such as retirement. Examples of attainable financial goals include:

• Saving for an emergency fund: An emergency fund is a savings account that is used to cover unexpected expenses such as car repairs or medical bills. It is recommended to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in an emergency fund.
• Paying off high-interest debt: High-interest debt such as credit card debt can be a significant financial burden. Setting a goal to pay off this debt can help reduce financial stress and improve credit scores.
• Saving for a down payment on a home: Buying a home is a significant financial milestone for many people. Setting a goal to save for a down payment can help make the process more manageable and achievable.
• Saving for a vacation: Taking a vacation can be a great way to relax and recharge. Setting a goal to save for a vacation can help make it more affordable and attainable.

To set attainable financial goals, it is important to consider your current financial situation and your overall financial goals. Start by identifying specific, measurable, and realistic goals that are achievable within a certain timeframe. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps and create a plan to achieve them. Additionally, consider seeking the advice of a financial advisor or taking a financial management course to gain additional knowledge and support in achieving your financial goals.

Relationship Goals

When it comes to setting attainable goals, relationship goals are a great place to start. Here are some examples of attainable relationship goals:

• Spending quality time with your partner at least once a week
• Having a weekly date night
• Expressing gratitude towards your partner at least once a day
• Having a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner once a month
• Planning a surprise for your partner once a quarter

Setting attainable relationship goals is important because it helps to strengthen your relationship and build a stronger connection with your partner. Here are some tips on how to set attainable relationship goals:

• Be specific: Your goals should be specific and clearly defined. For example, instead of setting a goal to “spend more time with your partner,” set a goal to “spend at least one hour a day talking with your partner.”
• Make it measurable: Your goals should be measurable so that you can track your progress. For example, instead of setting a goal to “improve your communication,” set a goal to “have a weekly date night and have a heart-to-heart conversation at least once a month.”
• Make it achievable: Your goals should be achievable and realistic. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. For example, if you have a busy schedule, setting a goal to “spend quality time with your partner every day” may not be achievable. Instead, set a goal to “spend quality time with your partner at least once a week.”
• Make it relevant: Your goals should be relevant to your relationship and what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to improve your emotional connection with your partner, setting a goal to “plan a surprise for your partner once a quarter” may not be relevant. Instead, set a goal to “express gratitude towards your partner at least once a day.”
• Make it time-bound: Your goals should have a deadline so that you can work towards achieving them. For example, instead of setting a goal to “improve your communication,” set a goal to “have a weekly date night and have a heart-to-heart conversation at least once a month for the next six months.”

By setting attainable relationship goals, you can strengthen your relationship and build a stronger connection with your partner.

Community Involvement Goals

When it comes to setting attainable goals, community involvement goals are a great option. These goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, making them perfect for individuals who want to make a positive impact in their community. Here are some examples of attainable community involvement goals:

• Volunteering at a local charity or non-profit organization for a set number of hours per week
• Participating in a community clean-up event once a month
• Mentoring a child or young adult for a set period of time
• Organizing a fundraising event for a cause you care about
• Joining a local community group or organization and attending meetings regularly

To set attainable community involvement goals, it’s important to consider your skills, interests, and availability. Think about what you’re passionate about and what you can realistically commit to. It’s also important to set specific goals with clear deadlines and metrics for success. For example, instead of setting a vague goal to “get more involved in the community,” you could set a specific goal to volunteer at a local soup kitchen for two hours every Saturday for the next three months. This way, you have a clear plan of action and can track your progress towards your goal.

By setting attainable community involvement goals, you can make a positive impact in your community while also developing valuable skills and connections. So why not start exploring the different opportunities available in your area and see which goals resonate with you? With dedication and effort, you can achieve your community involvement goals and make a difference in the lives of others.

Travel Goals

When it comes to setting attainable travel goals, the key is to be realistic and practical. Here are some examples of attainable travel goals:

1. Visiting a nearby city or town that you have never been to before.
2. Trying a new outdoor activity, such as hiking or kayaking, in a nearby location.
3. Exploring a new neighborhood or area in your own city.
4. Taking a road trip to a nearby destination that you have always wanted to visit.
5. Planning a staycation and discovering new things to do in your own city.

To set attainable travel goals, it’s important to consider your budget, time constraints, and personal interests. You should also research and plan ahead to ensure that you have all the necessary information and resources to make your goal a reality. Additionally, it’s important to be flexible and open to changes or unexpected detours along the way. With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can achieve your attainable travel goals and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Hobbies and Interests Goals

• Examples of attainable hobbies and interests goals:
  • Learning to play a musical instrument
  • Improving photography skills
  • Taking up a new sport or activity
  • Expanding knowledge in a specific field or topic
• Discussion of how to set attainable hobbies and interests goals:
  • Identify a specific hobby or interest
  • Set a specific, measurable goal
  • Break down the goal into smaller, achievable steps
  • Set a realistic timeframe for achieving the goal
  • Establish a routine or schedule for practicing or participating in the hobby or interest
  • Track progress and adjust the goal as necessary
  • Seek support and encouragement from others who share the same hobby or interest.

Education and Learning Goals

When it comes to setting attainable education and learning goals, it’s important to consider what is realistic and achievable for your personal circumstances. Here are some examples of attainable education and learning goals:

• Enroll in a new course or program
• Improve grades in a specific subject
• Read a certain number of books related to your field of study
• Complete a certification or training program
• Develop a new skill or hobby

To set attainable education and learning goals, it’s important to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to improve your grades in a specific subject, you could start by setting a goal to spend an extra hour each week studying that subject. You could also break down larger goals, such as completing a certification program, into smaller milestones, such as completing each module or section of the program.

It’s also important to set realistic timelines for your goals. This will help you stay motivated and on track to achieving your goals. For example, if your goal is to read a certain number of books related to your field of study, you could set a goal to read one book per month.

Additionally, it’s important to track your progress and evaluate your goals regularly. This will help you stay accountable and make any necessary adjustments to your goals. For example, if you find that you’re not making progress towards your goal of improving your grades in a specific subject, you could reassess your study habits and adjust your goal to be more realistic.

Overall, setting attainable education and learning goals can help you stay motivated and focused on your personal and professional development. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and setting realistic timelines, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goals.

FAQs

1. What is an attainable goal?

An attainable goal is a goal that is realistic and achievable given your current circumstances and resources. It is a goal that you have a good chance of achieving if you put in the necessary effort and take action towards it. An attainable goal should be challenging enough to be meaningful, but not so difficult that it becomes unrealistic or demotivating.

2. How do I set an attainable goal?

To set an attainable goal, you need to consider your current resources, skills, and abilities. You should also take into account any constraints or limitations that may affect your ability to achieve the goal. For example, if you want to improve your fitness, an attainable goal might be to go for a 30-minute walk three times a week. This goal is achievable for most people, but may be too difficult for someone who is currently in poor health or has a physical disability.

3. What are some examples of attainable goals?

There are many different types of attainable goals, depending on your personal circumstances and interests. Some examples of attainable goals include:
* Learning a new skill or hobby
* Improving your physical fitness
* Saving money for a specific purpose
* Developing a new habit or behavior
* Building a specific piece of furniture or crafting a specific item
* Reading a certain number of books
* Cooking a new type of cuisine
* Improving your public speaking skills
* Learning a new language

4. How can I achieve my attainable goal?

To achieve your attainable goal, you need to develop a plan of action and take consistent steps towards it. This may involve breaking the goal down into smaller, more manageable steps, and setting specific deadlines for achieving each step. You should also monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you stay on track. Additionally, it can be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a mentor to help you stay motivated and accountable.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when setting and achieving attainable goals?

When setting and achieving attainable goals, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. These include:
* Setting goals that are too vague or unrealistic
* Failing to break the goal down into smaller, more manageable steps
* Lacking a clear plan of action or deadlines for achieving the goal
* Failing to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed
* Giving up too easily or becoming demotivated when faced with obstacles or setbacks
* Focusing too much on the end result, rather than enjoying the process of achieving the goal.