Goal setting is often touted as the ultimate strategy for success. We’re told to set big, ambitious goals, make vision boards, and work relentlessly toward them. 

But what if I told you that traditional goal setting could actually be dangerous?

For years, I’ve experimented with every goal-setting method under the sun—templates, retreats, and advice from experts who charge thousands for their systems.

Yet, like many of you, I found that none of them really stuck. Here’s why goal setting can be more harmful than helpful, and what you should focus on instead.

The Dangers of Goal Setting

1. Goal Setting Feels Good—But That’s the Problem

Setting goals gives you a dopamine hit. It feels productive, almost as if you’ve already made progress just by writing them down. But this is a trap. You end up mistaking the act of setting goals for real progress. Vision boards and detailed plans are great, but they won’t get you where you want to be unless you take consistent action.

2. Delayed Happiness

One of the biggest dangers of goal setting is the “when-then” mentality. You think, “When I achieve this goal, then I’ll be happy.” This mindset keeps you stuck in a cycle of always waiting for the next thing—when you get the promotion, when you find a partner, when you buy the house. But here’s the truth: if you can’t find contentment now, you won’t find it after achieving your goals. You’ll just move the finish line further away.

How to Achieve Your Goals: A New Approach

So, what should you focus on instead of traditional goal setting? It boils down to two key strategies: shifting your mindset and building powerful habits.

1. Shift Your Mindset

How you live your days is how you live your life. Instead of waiting for some future goal to bring you happiness, learn to be content with where you are now. Enjoy the present moment because, as cliché as it sounds, these are the good old days you’ll look back on fondly. Embrace the journey, not just the destination.

2. Build Habits, Not Just Goals

A goal is simply a habit compounded over time. If you want to achieve something significant, focus on the daily habits that will get you there. Whether it’s hitting the gym three times a week or cutting down on social media, small, consistent actions add up to big results.

Think about training a killer whale at SeaWorld. Trainers start by rewarding small actions—like rubbing its belly on a rope—and gradually increase the challenge. Over time, these small steps lead to the whale jumping out of the water through a hoop. Your goals work the same way. Start small and build momentum.

Removing Bad Habits is Just as Important

Most people focus on building new habits but overlook the importance of eliminating bad ones. Whether it’s procrastination, negative self-talk, or unhealthy eating, your bad habits could be holding you back more than you realize. Write down both your good and bad habits. Attack them from both sides—eliminate the bad and reinforce the good.

The Power of Hope and Small Wins

Remember the story of the rats who survived 60 hours in water after being pulled out once? It’s all about hope. When you build habits and see small wins—like losing that first kilo or saving your first $100—you gain hope and motivation to keep going. These small victories are crucial for maintaining momentum toward your larger goals.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

Finally, your environment plays a huge role in your success. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and mentors who uplift you. Avoid those who suffer from "tall poppy syndrome" and instead find people whose eyes light up when you walk in the room. They’ll keep you accountable and motivated as you work toward your goals.

Conclusion

To sum it up: traditional goal setting isn’t the magic solution it’s often made out to be. Instead, focus on living in the present, building strong habits, and surrounding yourself with the right people. By doing this, you’ll find that achieving your goals becomes a natural byproduct of the life you’re already living.

If you found these tips helpful, share this post or subscribe for more insights on personal development. And remember—stay young, stay driven.