Success and the Art of the Goal: (Part 1) Are You Part of the 3 Percent?
Patsi Krakoff
Do you have clearly defined written goals? Or are they just in
your head? People who actually sit down and write out their
goals not only end up achieving them, but have higher incomes
and ratings for overall success and life satisfaction.
Mark McCormack, in his book What They Don't Teach You at Harvard
Business School, tells of a Harvard study conducted between 1979
and 1989. In 1979, the graduates of the MBA program were asked,
"Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made
plans to accomplish them?" Only 3 percent of the graduates had
written goals and plans. Thirteen percent had goals, but not
in writing. And 84 percent had no specific goals at all.
Ten years later, in 1989, the researchers found that the 13
percent who had goals that were not in writing were earning
twice as much as the 84 percent of students who had no goals
at all. And most surprisingly, they found that the 3 percent of
graduates who had clear, written goals when they left Harvard
were earning, on average, 10 times as much as the other 97
percent of graduates all together! The only difference between
the groups was the clarity of the goals they had for themselves
when they graduated.
Yes, you read that correctly. The 3 percent who had clear,
written goals earned ten times as much as the 97 percent who
didn't have clear, written goals. Almost all successful people
have goals, and outstanding high achievers have clearly defined
written goals. That said, how come so few people write out their
goals?
Why Not Set Goals?
There are four main reasons people don't set clear goals and
write them out. Many people say they can't be bothered to take
the time to sit and write them out, preferring to keep them in
their heads. But no one is really that busy, as it only takes a
few minutes. The real reasons are probably deeper, involving the
fact that if they are kept in "the head," it is easy to change,
revise and ignore them. This avoids accountability issues and
facing failure. Looking further into the psychological reasons,
we find the following four factors:
1. First, most people don't realize the importance of goals.
2. They don't know how to set goals.
3. They have a fear of failure.
4. They have a fear of rejection.
There are three main reasons why your goals may fail to inspire
and motivate change.
1. The goal isn't valued enough.
2. Your goal isn't specific.
3. Your goal isn't supported.
Each of these elements must be carefully considered in creating
goals that you can achieve. Once you have aligned your goals
with your true identity, values and life purpose, you will find
them easier to accomplish. The energy will flow, because the
goals are an expression of your true self. Then, when you have
written down your goals in a specific, clear, measurable way
that is time-framed, the small steps along the way will become
evident. This also keeps the energy flowing, and helps you to
remain focused on the goal.
The best way to get support for your goals is from a coach.
Friends and family members may be helpful-or not. A
professionally trained coach is an expert at helping you to
achieve what you want. He or she can also help you with the
goal setting process to ensure that your goals are aligned
with your values.
Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D., CBC, is a psychologist, executive coach, and writer. She customizes newsletters for life and executive coaches, providing both content and PDF and HTML ezines for busy professionals. Patsi lives and works from Ajijic, Mexico where she plays tennis daily, and enjoys other creative activities with her husband Rob and two Maine Coon cats, Huey and Dewey. Email:
mailto:Patsi@customizednewsletters.com. For more articles, subscribe to Newsletter Matters and BizBook Nuggets, at: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=86914 For more information visit: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=86911
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