By Evan Kamau

The common mistake we make when setting goals is we set a deadline, but not a schedule. We focus on the end result that we want to achieve and the deadline we want to do it by.

The problem with this is that if we don't magically hit the arbitrary timeline that we set in the beginning, then we feel like a failure even if we are better off than we were at the start. The end result, sadly, is that we often give up if we don't reach our goal by the initial deadline. However there is a more effective way. We use goal achievement systems and procedures.

The goal achievement system

A better way to achieve your goals is to set a schedule as a system to follow rather than a deadline to beat. Instead of giving yourself a deadline to accomplish a particular goal, you should choose a goal that is important to you and then set a schedule to work towards it consistently.

Focus on the process

Highly successful people practice the things that are important to them on a consistent basis. The best marathoners are on the track at the same time every week. The best writers are sitting down writing every day. And this same principle applies to the best leaders, parents, managers, musicians, and students. For top student performers, it’s not about the performance, it’s about the continual practice and process to achieve the goal.

The focus is on taking action, not on achieving a goal by a certain deadline. It's about practicing the rules, not achieving a certain deadline.

Make the schedule your best friend. You can’t predict when you’ll have a eureka moment for creativity and breakthrough idea comes, but the schedule can make sure that you’re working when that eureka creative moment happens.

If you want to be the type of person who accomplishes things on a consistent basis, then give yourself a schedule and a system to follow, not a deadline to beat.

For further insights, contact Evan on kamauevan@gmail.com