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Goals, Near and Far

Sometimes we can set goals that subscribe to the SMART principle (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound), but for one reason or another they are beyond our control. This may be because they are dependent on others’ actions or decisions, subject to more of a natural progression rather than being forced, or for whatever reason we’re not the only ones who get a vote. In these circumstances, our established goals and the lack of progress we make towards them can have negative consequences, especially from a mental perspective. 

If we set a goal to earn a certain salary or lose a certain amount of weight, there are things surrounding that goal we can control, but the specific result or timetable may be beyond our scope. For example, I may want to make a certain salary in my next career. I know that I’m capable, but perhaps the market is saturated (something beyond my control) or the industry demands a certain span of experience to make that income (something I can’t accelerate). When I established this goal, I could have subscribed to the SMART principles, but until I got the position, maybe I didn’t understand the true limitations regarding experience and timelines. 

If this happens, a reevaluation may be required. Consider the goal you have set and determine if there are components that need to be altered because there are things beyond your control, but the long-term endstate is still what you desire. Continuing on the income example, as you are onboarded, you realize your target income is attainable, however it requires a certain certification, time in a position, or some other constraint not previously understood. A reevaluation may highlight new goals required to get to the desired endstate- “I’ll pursue XX certification and have it completed by YY date”.

In a more personal example, maybe you have a fitness goal you are pursuing and you develop a plan to achieve it. This can be very frustrating because there is no one else involved but you… and human nature. Whether it is a weight goal or a lifting personal best you are striving for, you likely can’t rush it in a healthy way without the risk of injury or having an unsustainable result. The goal may be valid, however, having something in the forefront of mind that is subject to human nature may not be the best idea. Rather than focusing on a goal weight or leg press personal best, each of which depend on several factors, it might be more helpful to focus on specific things you can control- how often you exercise, the intensity of that exercise, diet, and quality of rest. If you make each of these components separate goals you may be more likely to achieve them and continue achieving them rather than a scale or max weight which can be dependent on a variety of factors (water retention, a poor night’s sleep, an extra slice of pizza, etc.). In this example, you can control how often you exercise, the intensity, your diet, your rest and if you accomplish all of those goals… the ultimate goal may fall right into place. 

Often our goals may be more broad than we make them out to be. If you feel like you are starting to get in a rut or not progressing towards your desired endstate quickly enough, zoom in. Are there more specific goals required to accomplish the desired endstate that are more controllable?