Did you know that less than 10% of people actually set goals? Even more shocking—of that small percentage, only 8% achieve them. If you’ve ever struggled with hitting your goals, you’re not alone. But why do so many people fail, even when following the widely recommended SMART goal framework?
The answer lies deeper than just setting “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound” goals. While SMART goals provide structure, they often miss a crucial element: the emotional drive behind your goal. Without this, even the best-laid plans can fall flat.
The Missing Piece of Your Goal-Setting Strategy
Think about the last time you set a goal—whether it was to get fit, increase your income, or start a new habit. Did you focus only on the end result, or did you dig deeper into why you wanted it?
Goals aren’t just about achieving something tangible. They’re about creating a feeling. Whether it’s a sense of accomplishment, security, pride, or happiness, our real motivation comes from the emotions we associate with achieving the goal.
For example, Olympic athletes dedicate their entire lives to winning a gold medal. But it’s not the medal itself that drives them—it’s the feeling of standing on that podium, knowing they’ve reached the pinnacle of success.
Likewise, successful entrepreneurs don’t just chase money. They chase the freedom, impact, and confidence that financial success provides.
How to Make Your Goals Stick
Instead of just using the SMART framework, add this powerful step: Identify the feeling behind your goal.
Ask yourself:
- Why do I want this goal?
- How will achieving this make me feel?
- What emotion am I actually chasing?
Once you pinpoint the emotion, your goals will have a stronger foundation. You won’t just be working toward a vague milestone—you’ll be chasing a deeply personal and emotionally fulfilling outcome.
Turning Feelings into Results
Now that you know what’s been missing from your goal-setting strategy, it’s time to take action.
- Revisit your current goals – Look beyond the outcome and ask yourself what emotion is truly driving you.
- Create goals based on the feelings you want to cultivate – If you want to feel empowered, what goals would help you get there? If you want peace, what changes can you make?
- Stay connected to your ‘why’ – When challenges arise, reminding yourself of the emotion you’re working toward will keep you motivated.
By shifting your focus from simply checking off tasks to creating a meaningful emotional experience, you’ll transform the way you approach goals—and significantly increase your chances of success.
Are you ready to set goals that truly inspire and drive you? Start today by identifying the feelings that will propel you forward!
Need a good book recommendation? Start With Why is a great place to start!
