Overcoming internal obstacles to achieving personal goals

It’s well-known that many people struggle to maintain their New Year’s resolutions. Research indicates that about 46 percent of people manage to keep their resolutions for at least six months, while only 19 percent do so for over two years. To address this issue, I began to wonder if resolutions would be more successfully treated as goals using the SMART criteria. However, I soon realised that even well-defined goals are susceptible to internal and external obstacles, also known as “saboteurs.” In this article, we’ll identify these interferences and explore ways to overcome them.

It is crucial to understand the root causes of why people often find it challenging to achieve their goals. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) personal goals is essential for growth. Unfortunately, internal interferences such as imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and procrastination can impede our progress. These mental barriers can prevent us from realising our potential, leading to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and stagnation. The good news is that these internal challenges can be addressed with the right strategies, mindset, and support.

This article will examine common internal interferences and provide practical tips to overcome them. By the end, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to break free from these mental constraints and unlock your full potential.

Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome entails a pervasive feeling of inadequacy where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a “fraud.” Recognise your strengths and accomplishments to overcome imposter syndrome—consider listing them out. Reframe negative self-talk into positive affirmations, seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers, and focus on your growth and progress rather than striving for perfection. As someone once told me, no one is born a leader; we all learn the skill at some point.

Self-doubt: Self-doubt may arise when you face new challenges or uncertain outcomes. To combat self-doubt, practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings. Reframe your doubts as opportunities for growth and learning, develop a growth mindset focused on progress instead of perfection, and surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage you.

Read also: Dream, Design, Do: Strategies for setting and reaching your goals

Procrastination: Procrastination is a significant barrier to productivity and achieving goals. To overcome it, break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Set clear, attainable deadlines and schedules, use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused 25-minute increments followed by a 5-minute break), and eliminate distractions, such as social media or email notifications, while working.

Perfectionism: Perfectionism can result in analysis paralysis, which prevents you from acting. To overcome this tendency, recognise that perfection is unattainable and that “good enough” is often sufficient. Set realistic standards, focus on progress rather than perfection, practice self-compassion when mistakes occur, and view them as opportunities for growth.

Lack of confidence: A lack of confidence can deter you from pursuing your goals and dreams. To boost confidence, identify and challenge negative self-talk, focus on your strengths and accomplishments, develop a growth mindset, and seek feedback and support from trusted mentors or peers.

Fear of failure: Fear of failure can hinder you from taking risks and pursuing your goals. To address this fear, reframe failure as a chance for growth and learning. Develop a growth mindset and recognise that failure is a natural aspect of the learning process. Break down significant goals into smaller, manageable tasks to reduce failure risk, and practice self-compassion when faced with setbacks.

Doubt: Doubts can arise during uncertain times or when experiencing self-doubt. To overcome this, engage in self-reflection to identify the sources of your doubt, seek feedback and support from trusted mentors or peers, cultivate a growth mindset, and focus on progress over perfection.

Call to action:

What are the obstacles preventing you from achieving your goals? While internal interferences can pose significant obstacles to achieving personal goals, you can overcome them with the right strategies, mindset, and support. First, recognising and addressing these challenges can unlock your full potential, build confidence, and achieve success. Remember, overcoming internal interference is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, patience, and self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.

By applying the strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming internal interferences and reaching your goals. Feel free to share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Olayinka Opaleye is a Wellbeing Specialist and Corporate Wellness Strategist. She can also be reached at +234 8100371304 or by clicking on www.linkedin.com/in/olayinkaopaleye.