Why Traditional Goal Setting Fails and What Works Better

Why Resolutions Fail and the Power of Embracing RE-solutions for Achieving Your Goals
Have you ever noticed how your New Year’s resolutions often end up like those gym memberships you enthusiastically sign up for but barely use? Yep, we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, it’s not just you. Traditional resolutions are a bit like a soufflé – they need the perfect conditions to succeed, and let’s face it, life is more like a busy, unpredictable kitchen owned by Gordon Ramsey.
So, what’s the secret ingredient to actually sticking to your goals? It’s something called RE-solutions. Think of them as the friend who gently nudges you back on track, rather than the overbearing coach who makes you want to run for the hills.
RE-solutions are all about being adaptable. Life throws you curveballs (and occasionally, lemons), and your goals need to be nimble enough to dodge or catch them – or make lemonade. It’s about fine-tuning your aspirations to fit the reality of our lives, which, unlike Instagram, isn’t always picture-perfect.
Now, let’s talk problem-solving. RE-solutions aren’t about sweeping issues under the rug. They’re about rolling up your sleeves, taking a good look at the what happened, and figuring out a cleanup plan. It’s like being a detective in your own life, but without the trench coat and the dramatic music. The only way to change what’s happening is to change what’s happening; and this often comes down to the small choices you make when it comes to your goals. Do you give in and have that drink, chocolate cake or extra hour in bed? Or do you choose differently?
Keeping the flame of motivation alive is crucial too. RE-solutions help because they’re far more realistic. It’s easier to stay the course when you’re not aiming to climb Everest in your sneakers. They keep you moving forward, even if it’s just baby steps. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is any goal worth pursuing. The small choices might defeat you today, but don’t let a lost battle lose the war – instead, regroup, rethink and get back in the game with a new plan to succeed.
What about personal growth? Well, RE-solutions have got that covered too. They’re about improving yourself bit by bit, not overnight transformations. Each small victory is a step towards becoming a slightly better version of ourselves, and that’s something worth celebrating.
In conclusion, while traditional resolutions often leave us feeling deflated, RE-solutions offer a breath of fresh air. They’re about being flexible, realistic, and a little bit kind to ourselves. So here’s to RE-solutions, the unsung heroes in our quest for personal betterment, gently guiding us through the rollercoaster ride that is life.
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Questions managers ask about this
Why do traditional goal setting methods often fail?
Traditional goal setting often fails because it assumes perfect conditions and does not account for life's unpredictability. Goals set without flexibility can become unrealistic, making it hard to maintain motivation when obstacles arise. Without adapting goals to real circumstances, people tend to give up when faced with setbacks.
How can I make my team’s goals more adaptable?
Make goals adaptable by encouraging regular review and adjustment based on current challenges. Instead of rigid targets, allow room to fine-tune objectives to fit real situations. This approach helps the team stay motivated and responsive, enabling progress even when unexpected issues occur.
What practical steps help maintain motivation towards goals?
Maintain motivation by focusing on small, manageable steps rather than aiming for drastic changes. Accept that setbacks will happen and use them as opportunities to rethink and adjust your approach. Consistently making better daily choices, even if small, keeps progress moving forward steadily.
How can managers identify where performance is stalling?
Managers can identify performance stalls by diagnosing decision-making points and levels where bottlenecks occur. Reviewing which choices are causing delays and involving supervisors in scoring and feedback helps pinpoint friction. This targeted insight allows for focused intervention to improve team effectiveness.
Hear this discussed on the podcast
Episodes of The High Performance Leader that cover the same ground.

Jimmy Burroughes
FounderFormer British Army officer and corporate GM who has transformed 3,000+ managers into leaders across 30+ organisations. Creator of the Simplify to Amplify methodology, author of Beat Burnout, Ignite Performance, and two-time Global Recognition Award winner.
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