If you don’t reach a goal, and you have to change a target date, change the date. Then keep going.

This is an area that I struggled with and actually sometimes still do. Why would I date a goal with the intention of changing it when I don’t reach it? That’s not really what I mean. I do mean that you shouldn’t stress out and beat yourself up if you don’t reach a goal. The goal setting process is supposed to simplify things and accelerate your journey to success, not make it more difficult. Therefore, it’s wise to go into the process with the attitude "I know stuff can happen (and it will) so I’ll build a cushion into my goal setting process that will allow me to change the date and keep going."

I once heard a speaker say, "I’ve hit every goal I ever set….after I set it enough times." There’s much wisdom in that sentence. We have to stop acting like we’re losers if we don’t hit our goals. Do you understand that beating yourself up takes more energy than re-focusing and starting again? This is very important. If you beat yourself up the energy you’ll need to get back on track is much more than you’d use if you just accepted the fact that you should move on and re-focus and reset the target date. There’s no room for pity parties here. Nobody comes to them anyway!

Remember: Go into the goal setting process with the attitude that if you don’t reach it, it’s ok. Just change the date and move on. The six most important words in goal setting are "start again, start again, start again." So get moving and start again!

You can do it and I definitely believe in you!

This is part of the Ten Basic Rules for Successful Goal Setting.