Can you see a connection between controlling the uncontrollable and shifting priorities? They are both obstacles to achieving goals. But, as we’ve been learning, all obstacles have solutions. It is just a matter of finding them.
In this blog, we will cover the obstacles of control and priorities.
Let’s talk about a common challenge; dealing with things that we can’t control.
Controlling the X-Factor
Have you ever set a goal, but the outcome depended on factors beyond your control? What does this mean?
Let’s look at an example. Suppose you want to get 10 new clients each month for your cover design business. That’s a wonderful goal, but it relies on other people (the clients) making decisions you can’t force.
The Solution
Instead of focusing on things you can’t control, focus on what you CAN control. So, you could rephrase the goal like this: “I will reach out to one hundred potential clients every month intending to secure 10 new clients or more.”
By doing this, you put the emphasis on what YOU can do to achieve the goal. You can take clear steps like networking more or advertising in relevant places.
You still want to get 10 new clients every month but it’s okay if you only get 6 out of 100 potential clients in the first month. You’ll feel encouraged to keep going and improve because you know you are in control of your actions and efforts.
This concept applies to any goal. Focus on the things you can control, and you’ll avoid feeling helpless about the outcome!
Ask Yourself
♦ Are there any external factors that could affect the outcome of my goal? How can I handle them?
♦ Have I broken down my goal into smaller, manageable steps to take action on?
♦ How can I adapt my goal to focus more on what I can control rather than what I can’t?
♦ Am I being real with myself and my goal, considering what I can and cannot control?
♦ Are there alternative strategies I can use to achieve my goal if the original plan faces uncontrollable challenges?
♦ Are there any areas where I need to let go of trying to control everything and accept uncertainty?
♦ What have I learned from experiences of dealing with the uncontrollable, and how can I apply that knowledge to my current goal?
These questions help you reflect on your goals and approach them in a more effective way, even when things get tough. You’ll learn to focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
Obstacle #10 Shifting Priorities
You know what you want and what you need to do to achieve it, but sticking to your plans can be tough.
Related Reading: Set and Achieve Your Goals with These 15 Easy Tricks
Top Priorities
Other things in your life, like family or work, may demand your attention, making it difficult to stay on track. You might also have many distractions that make it hard to concentrate on your goals.
Having conflicting priorities can be so overwhelming that you might feel like giving up on your goals altogether.
Imagine you have two enormous commitments at the same time. One a charity event that you have planned for months and the other a comprehensive report for work due at the same time. Both are important to you, but they require a significant amount of time and effort.
Initially, your priority might be to split your focus between the two. However, as the deadlines approach, you might have to delegate or hand off some tasks.
The Solution
The good news is that there are ways to handle these challenges.
First, think about whether some of your distractions are coming from within you.
You might create chaos unintentionally. For example, if you fear success or failure in relation to your goals, you might take on extra tasks to avoid working on them. Or you might procrastinate until everything piles up, and you rush to meet deadlines. Sometimes, inner conflict causes outer distractions. So, check within yourself and resolve any issues you find.
Prioritize your goals by cancelling unimportant commitments or seeking help.
Ask Yourself
♦ How can I prioritize this goal alongside other commitments in my life?
♦ Are there any goals or tasks that I need to let go of or delegate to make room for this new goal?
♦ How will I know when it’s necessary to shift my priorities and focus more on one goal over another?
♦ How can I maintain flexibility and adaptability in my approach to goal setting and shifting priorities?
♦ Am I setting realistic timelines for achieving my goals, or am I putting too much pressure on myself?
♦ How can I apply what I’ve learned from experiences with goal setting and shifting priorities to do better this time?
These questions will help you nail down your goals, understand what matters most, and come up with a solid plan to crush your objectives.
Related Reading: Can Wishes and Dreams Lead to Goals?
Last Words on Control and Priorities
So, to sum up, setting goals and adjusting priorities is crucial to facing life’s obstacles and reaching success.
Realistic goals help us avoid feeling swamped and keep us on the right path. Also, being flexible in our priorities helps us juggle our different commitments and responsibilities.
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