Seven myths about goal setting.

Goals Set by Others For You Won't Work

There is a common misperception that a goal you undertake has to be your own--set by you, and pursued by you. This is not true. Studies have shown that one person can set goals for another. In fact, this happens every day in sales organizations-- don't sales managers develop quotas for the sales staff? The key element is that the person for whom the goal is set adopt the goal as his or her own. This is welcome news for parents, managers, or anyone else who has the inherent or mandated responsibility for the performance of others.

Once a Goal is Appropriately Set, It's Best Not to Tamper With It

This is true much of the time, but there are enough exceptions to merit discussion. Often, when you set an appropriate goal, factors outside your control change. These could include:

* a new regulation levied by government

* an action by a competitor

* a change in the social environment, or

* the significant reduction or increase in resources allocated to you.

Sometimes it makes sense to revise your goals mid-stream. This is not an open-ended excuse to modify goals on a whim or when the going gets tough. This simply recognizes that even the most intelligently and appropriately set goals cannot always withstand the vicissitudes of a changing environment.

A Goal is an End in Itself

Although a goal can be an end in itself, it rarely is. If your goal is to increase earnings, lose weight or develop a better quality relationship, ask yourself what you really want.

You may want more money to better afford the education of your children, I enjoy greater leisure, or donate more to worthy causes.

Losing weight will promote a healthier lifestyle, reduce your risk of heart attack, and increase your longevity so that you'll be around to enjoy your grandchildren.

Having a better relationship may not be an end in itself. Related goals may include becoming a better role model for your children, or spurring your partner to even greater Growth and personal development.

Set challenging and reachable goals that are quantifiable and have a specific time line, and pursue them with vigor. These goals may end up as stepping stones to other goals that emerge as you realize one desirable outcome after another.