Part 2 of 8: Avoiding Common Goal-Setting Mistakes
Ever finished a goal that looked great on paper… but felt empty when you hit it?
You ticked the box.
You got the promotion.
You increased the numbers.
But instead of celebration, all you felt was exhaustion.
That’s not a sign of laziness or lack of gratitude.
It’s a red flag:
You may be setting goals that look good to others—
but ignore what genuinely brings you joy.
The Burnout Behind Achievement-Only Goals
When we think about goal-setting, we often default to career, money, or achievement.
It’s what we’re praised for.
It’s what’s measurable.
It’s what we think will give us freedom.
But too often, we skip over goals that feed our creativity, well-being, or sense of play.
That’s when burnout creeps in.
Not from doing too much—but from doing too much of the wrong things.
The Problem? We Overprioritise What’s “Productive”
A list that says:
- Get promoted
- Finish certification
- Improve KPIs
…is valuable.
But what about:
- Join a choir
- Plan a family trip
- Create art once a week
Those matter too.
Joy is fuel. And without it, even success feels hollow.
How to Build Joy Back Into Your Goals
Here’s how to rebalance and recharge through intentional goal design:
1. Audit Your Goal Categories
Use a tool like the Wheel of Life to check in:
Are you setting goals in all areas—or just work?
Look at categories like:
- Health
- Relationships
- Personal growth
- Fun & recreation
- Spirituality
You don’t need to set goals in every category—just the ones that feel out of balance.
2. Give Joy Goals Equal Weight
A goal like “Train for a 10k with a friend” may not help your CV—but it strengthens health, discipline, and connection.
That is leadership development—just in disguise.
Don’t treat joy as a reward for hard work.
Build it in from the start.
3. Ask: “What’s fun but missing?”
Make space for goals that excite you. Not everything needs to be serious to be strategic.
Fun fuels focus.
Creativity inspires confidence.
Joy boosts resilience.
Final Reflection
If your goal list feels heavy, it’s not a motivation problem.
It’s a joy problem.
So let me ask you:
What’s one personal goal that would bring you joy—just for the sake of it?
Set it.
Prioritise it.
Protect it.
Your future self will thank you.