You’ve done it.
You’ve mapped out your year. The goals are set. You’ve identified some clear areas for which to direct your personal growth energy.
And yet…you’re stuck.
It’s not that you lack conviction or desire. You want to make progress towards your goals. You desire forward momentum and growth.
The intention is there…so why are the results you’re chasing so elusive?
Have you ever found yourself in this position? Wondering why the goals you’ve set for yourself just don’t seem to be panning out the way you’d hoped?
I sure have. Many times, if I’m being honest.
If you’ve been feeling “stuck” in your quest for personal growth or goal achievement, you’re not alone. While I certainly want to offer a reassuring hug and say, “I’ve been there, friend” – I also want to urge you not to allow your current circumstances to define future success.
It’s tempting, for sure.
The urge to give up or give in might be strong…DON’T.
The first step towards getting “unstuck” and begin truly making progress is to identify which roadblocks are currently standing in your way. Here are a few common pitfalls that get in the way of personal growth:
- Unrealistic Expectations
Are you a “dream big” kind of person? If so, good for you! Some of the greatest innovators and achievers have been huge dreamers. While this is certainly an asset to your personality, it can also lead to setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
Perhaps you’ve set a goal that you currently lack the support or resources to achieve. Or maybe the timeline you’ve set for growth and achievement is just a bit quicker than realistically possible.
You might be tempted to throw in the towel and abandon your pursuits when things aren’t going as planned. Instead, I encourage you to reevaluate your expectations. Perhaps the goal itself isn’t the problem, but rather the parameters you’ve established for achievement simply need some adjusting.
- Lack of Planning
Ever been on a roadtrip with someone who insists they “know where they are going” and don’t need to use Google Maps or directions of any kind. Inevitably, a wrong turn will be taken at some point that could land you pretty far off course.
Diving headfirst into a new project or growth goal without at least a basic plan or strategy can have similar results. You’re likely to waste a significant amount of time, energy, and possibly resources without reaping the desired rewards.
Everyone benefits from taking time to plan. (Yes, even those of you who pride yourselves in being “spontaneous” or proudly proclaim, “I’m not a planner!”) At a minimum, I recommend setting clear expectations for how you will address setbacks or unexpected circumstances when they arise.
- Personality Tendencies
Certain personality types can have tendencies that make goal achievement and growth a little harder than others. For example, as a Type 9, I’m a natural peacekeeper and mediator. I’ll do anything to avoid “rocking the boat” with others. Occasionally, this means I’ll put my own goals or needs aside in order to accommodate others, unintentionally knocking myself off course.
Does this mean that some personalities can achieve while others cannot?
Of course not. It simply means that you may need to evaluate whether you have habitual responses that get in the way of your forward momentum. If so, take some time to develop a proactive strategy for overcoming the personality tendencies that get in your way. This is an essential step if you want to stay on course as you pursue your goals.
- Discouragement
Nobody likes to fail…but failure is a part of life. How we respond when we experience setbacks or moments of failure will determine the trajectory of our goals.
It’s normal to feel discouraged when things aren’t going as planned. That’s human. But do you allow yourself to sit in that discouragement? Do you allow yourself to be paralyzed by the fear or overwhelm brought on by your challenges? Have you considered the possibility that circumstances not going “as planned” might not truly be a setback?
OR…do you acknowledge the disappointment and move on? Move forward?
How we respond when we experience setbacks or moments of failure will determine the trajectory of our goals.
- Unhelpful Habits
It was Aristotle who said, “We are the sum of our actions, and therefore our habits make all the difference.”
Well friend, I think Aristotle was onto something here. The choices we make day in and day out will impact our pursuit of personal growth (either positively or negatively.) When it comes to goal achievement, simple things like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, or maintaining healthy boundaries with screen time can make all the difference.
If you desire personal growth and are looking for practical ways to support yourself throughout the achievement process, I highly encourage you to take this free Enneagram Assessment. This test will give you insight into the unique motivations and stumbling blocks that impact your personal growth journey. When it comes to planning for your own success, the knowledge you’ll gain from understanding your personality type is truly invaluable.
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
