Why Routines are Better than Goals for Achieving Success

If you struggle with achieving your goals, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to stay on track and see their goals through to completion. But why is this? There are several reasons why goal setting can be tough, including deadlines that are too rigid, unrealistic expectations, and the all-or-nothing mentality that often accompanies goal setting.

So, is it possible to achieve success without setting goals? Absolutely. In fact, adopting a routine can be a more effective way to achieve your goals than setting specific targets. Here are a few reasons why routines are better than goals for achieving success.

1. Deadlines Rarely Work

One of the biggest problems with setting goals is that the deadlines involved can actually make things more difficult. If you’re not used to working with deadlines, they can be intimidating and discouraging. And if you set a deadline that’s too close, you may end up feeling overwhelmed and giving up altogether.

2. We’re Not Good at Forecasting

Another issue with goal setting is that we’re not always good at forecasting how long it will take to achieve a particular goal. Unexpected setbacks, such as illness or injury, can throw us off course. The key is to be realistic about how much time it will take to achieve your goals and to anticipate roadblocks along the way.

3. Goals are All or Nothing

The all-or-nothing mentality of goal setting can be both motivating and discouraging. On the one hand, setting a goal can give you the drive to push yourself to your limits. On the other hand, it can also lead to burnout and a sense of failure if you don’t achieve your goal within your desired timeline. The key is to adopt a routine that is sustainable over the long-term, rather than pushing yourself to the brink in order to achieve a specific target.

4. Deadlines are Almost Always Inflexible

Deadlines are great motivators when they work, but they can also be inflexible. This can make it difficult to achieve your goals, especially if unexpected obstacles arise. By contrast, a routine is more flexible and can accommodate changes as needed. This means that you can stay on track even when things don’t go as planned.

5. Goals Leave You Feeling “Less Than”

Finally, setting goals can be demotivating in that it can leave you feeling like you’re not good enough until you achieve your goal. This can create a sense of constant striving and dissatisfaction, which is not conducive to long-term success. By adopting a routine, you can focus on the day-to-day process of achieving your goals and enjoy the progress you make along the way.

Conclusion

Setting goals can be helpful, but it’s not the only way to achieve success. By adopting a routine, you can create sustainable habits that will help you achieve your goals over time. So, rather than focusing solely on the end result, try embracing the process and enjoying the journey.