When we set goals, it’s natural to want to aim high and push ourselves to achieve great things. However, setting unrealistic goals can
have far-reaching and devastating consequences that can negatively impact our motivation, well-being, and overall success.
In an era dominated by highly motivational tweets—essentially Instagram-like images but with text—where some portray a life that seems exceptional on the surface, there is a pressure to set unattainable goals. Much like an impeccably designed Instagram home that is out of reach for most, setting goals is not without its significant drawbacks.
What are The Consequences of Settings Unrealistic Goals
- Disillusionment: Unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and even despair when we fail to
achieve them. This emotional toll can cause us to become disillusioned with goal-setting altogether. - Loss of Motivation: The constant feeling of not being good enough or not meeting our unrealistic goals can lead to a decline in
motivation. We may feel like we’re just not cut out for this kind of thing, and that can be a hard habit to break. - Increased Stress and Anxiety: Unrealistic goals can create an environment of constant stress and anxiety, as we feel pressured
to perform at a level that’s impossible to sustain. This chronic stress can negatively impact our mental and physical health, further
eroding our motivation and overall well-being. - Burnout and Exhaustion: The pursuit of unrealistic goals can lead to burnout and exhaustion. We may push ourselves too hard,
sacrificing rest and recovery time, which ultimately leads to decreased productivity and a higher risk of injury or illness. - Negative Self-Talk and Self-Doubt: Unrealistic expectations can foster negative self-talk and self-doubt. We may begin to
question our abilities, intelligence, and potential, leading to a decrease in confidence and a heightened sense of self-criticism. This calls to the notion of the words power it has over your subconscious - Decreased Creativity and Innovation: Unrealistic goals can stifle creativity and innovation by imposing rigid constraints and
limiting our ability to adapt and explore new ideas. This can lead to stagnation and a lack of progress in personal or professional
endeavors.
Why Unrealistic Goals Are So Destructive
Unrealistic goals are destructive because they set us up for failure from the very beginning. When we fail to achieve an unrealistic
goal, it’s not just a minor setback – it’s a major blow to our confidence and motivation. We may feel like we’ve let ourselves down, or
that we’re simply not good enough.
How to Avoid Unrealistic Goals
- Set Achievable Objectives: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable objectives. This will help you stay focused and
motivated, while also giving you a sense of accomplishment. - Make a Realistic Plan: Create a plan that’s based on your current circumstances and resources. Don’t try to tackle too much at
once – take it one step at a time. - Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that failure is an opportunity for growth, not a reason to beat yourself up over. Practice
self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness, even when things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
Setting unrealistic goals may seem like a harmless mistake, but the consequences can be far-reaching and devastating. By setting
achievable objectives, making a realistic plan, and being kind to ourselves, we can avoid the dangers of unrealistic goals and set
ourselves up for success. Remember, it’s okay to aim high – just make sure you’re aiming high enough to achieve your goals, not so high
that you set yourself up for failure.
