Two Surprising Statistics Around Goal Setting
By Matthew Damon
As we walk into the New Year, many of us are beginning to reflect back on the prior year accomplishments, areas that we may need to improve upon, and begin to goal set around the next twelve months to drive ourselves to the next level. As each of us goes through this process, I want to share a few statistics that will increase your odds of success and perhaps help to steer your goal setting process.
We all know that goal setting is important, yet surveys of the general population have shown that 83% of respondents don’t have goals, 14% had plans but not in writing, and only 3% had written goals.
Written Goals Matter
Research has shown that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if they are written down. That is a staggering increase that came out of a study by researcher and psychologist Gail Matthews. Writing your goals, intentions, and priorities down helps to increase your clarity and focus. Remember that 80% of your results come from 20% of your actions.
Accountability Matters
The research goes on to show that you are 76% more likely to achieve your goals if you write action commitments and share weekly progress reports. Scheduled accountability is a gamechanger.
A Word of Caution
Take time to ensure that your goals are holistic, clear, inspiring, challenging, but most importantly in alignment with your long-term vision. The long-term vision for many of us is financial freedom through passive income, is a healthy body through diet and exercise, is a thriving family through meaningfully deepening our relationships. Review your goals, and ensure that they align with your long-term vision.
So I encourage you to write down your goals, join an accountability group, and build toward a brighter future!
Go and make it happen! Cheers to 2022!