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Author Topic: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013  (Read 1849 times)

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Offline John Sansom (@SqlBrit)

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Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« on: December 15, 2012, 03:12:15 PM »
It's that time of year again where we all look back at what we've done and think about just how awesome we've been at achieving our goals, before deciding to draft new ones for the year ahead and then some folks will even blog about them  ::) 

Anyway, I read this very interesting article that puts forward the ludicrous notion (or is it) that one should Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013. The science thinking behind is actually quite convincing.

What do you think? Should we all not set goals this year?
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Offline Sqlmickey

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2012, 07:08:04 AM »
His post was flawed. The examples that he gave for failed goals were not set by the individuals themselves, but by their superiors. These goals were not realistic either. The rest of his post talked about how we can set something similliar to goals, when really it was just acheiveable goals.

I think goals need to be re-evaluated before the "due date" is reached. The goals may need to be readjusted, postponed, or canceled.

Even at the end, he said his kids could have had their teeth brushed and flossed if he had set their goal differently. That still wasn't possible with the time frame he had for them. That goal would only have been acheivable if more time would have been given.

Which comes back to the need to set reachable goals, otherwise you are setting yourself or others up for failure.
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Offline John Sansom (@SqlBrit)

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2012, 05:53:15 PM »
Quote from: Sqlmickey on December 17, 2012, 07:08:04 AM
His post was flawed. The examples that he gave for failed goals were not set by the individuals themselves, but by their superiors. These goals were not realistic either. The rest of his post talked about how we can set something similliar to goals, when really it was just acheiveable goals.

I think goals need to be re-evaluated before the "due date" is reached. The goals may need to be readjusted, postponed, or canceled.

Even at the end, he said his kids could have had their teeth brushed and flossed if he had set their goal differently. That still wasn't possible with the time frame he had for them. That goal would only have been acheivable if more time would have been given.

Which comes back to the need to set reachable goals, otherwise you are setting yourself or others up for failure.

The "Brushing the Kids teeth" anecdote is weak I agree.

What I found particularly interesting from the article was the idea that aggressive focus on goals alone, can lead to undesirable and unforeseen consequences. Such as the examples:
  • Sears set a productivity goal for their auto repair staff of bringing in $147 for every hour of work. Did this motivate employees? Sure. It motivated them to overcharge on a companywide basis.

My own takeaway from the article was that the author was attempting to highlight the dangers of being too overly goal oriented. That it's important to adopt an approach that permits "breathing space" (creativity, ideas, reflection) whilst still preserving direction and remaining on course.
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Offline John Sansom (@SqlBrit)

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2012, 05:55:50 PM »
Sqlmickey, welcome to the forums by the way!
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Offline Sam Vanga

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2013, 07:32:26 PM »
I'm not advocating this idea, but here is another related article i once read. 5 reasons you should give up your goals and live goal free.

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2012/11/5-reasons-why-you-should-give-up-your.html

Cheers!
Sam.
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Offline John Sansom (@SqlBrit)

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2013, 07:47:06 PM »
Quote from: Sam Vanga on January 04, 2013, 07:32:26 PM
I'm not advocating this idea, but .....

I'm loving that you included a disclaimer, just in case someone decided to do away with all their goals and hold you accountable  :D

BTW, welcome to the community forum Sam. It's great to have you here! Be sure to Say Hi and Introduce Yourself.
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Offline Chris Yates

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2013, 08:59:03 PM »
I am of the mindset it seems now a days that an end destination point is set but that along the way you have to be able to adapt, bob and weave, and adjust to potholes that come up along the way. One thing that I've learned over the years is not to beat myself up for goals not obtained but take it one day a time and do the best I can. Thanks for listening to the Yates meanderings!
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Offline John Sansom (@SqlBrit)

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Re: Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2013, 11:28:53 PM »
"You gotta roll with the punches". Oh I thought we were doing boxing analogies  ;D

I'm with you Chris. Having a target to aim for is a good thing and there are many different ways to get there. It's OK to adjust course along the way.

Handling failure, now there's an interesting subject. One that's not given much consideration. We won't talk about that though....

What about knowing when to bin a goal and call it quits, now there's an art, I mean skill that I need to improve upon.
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