The Power of Purpose: How Meaningful Goals Can Transform Your Life and Business
If you want to succeed in life or business, all you have to do is go on social media, where you can find the best advice and tips. Seriously, if you want to find money or bliss rather quickly, you will find some exceptional advice that can help you attain what you are looking for. Now, since we don't live in Bizarro world and base what we do on reality, let's discuss how you can achieve success (whatever your version looks like) the right way.
Since it seems that advice on how to succeed is everywhere, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, rest assured that there is one surefire way to guarantee success: setting goals. But here's the crazy thing: only 3-5% of people set goals. And out of those that do set goals, 83% of them accomplish none of them.
Meanwhile, everyone—from bestselling authors to well-meaning friends—has an opinion on how to set meaningful goals. But why do so many people set goals only to see them fall apart weeks, or even days, later?
The truth is, achieving goals isn’t just about motivation or discipline—it’s about meaning and aligning them with your core values. Far too often, we approach goal-setting like a chore: write down something lofty, stick it on the fridge or a vision board, and hope it magically comes true. But without a deeper sense of purpose behind our goals, they’re unlikely to withstand the first gust of adversity. It’s like trying to drive a car without gas—you might coast downhill for a while, but you’re not going to get very far.
Avoid the Trap of Superficial Goals: Why Meaning Matters
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is keeping them superficial. I know that was my issue when I was younger. It’s easy to say, “I want to make a million dollars next year” or “I want to lose 20 pounds,” but without a deeper understanding of why these goals matter, they’re doomed to fail.
Let’s be honest—if your only reason for making money is to see a bigger number in your bank account, what’s going to keep you going when things get tough?
Purpose-driven goals have roots and keep you going. They’re tied to emotions, core beliefs, and a vision for the future. For example, losing 20 pounds becomes a much more compelling goal when you frame it as, “I want to lose weight so I can walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.” Suddenly, the goal has emotional weight—and with it, staying power.
Beyond the trap of superficiality, there’s another layer: many goals are set without any plan of execution. People often underestimate the effort required to meet their objectives. A million-dollar goal might be inspiring, but without a clear, actionable goal and steps to achieve it—whether through investments, new business ventures, or expanding an existing company—it remains nothing more than a dream.
Discover the Power of “Why” in Purpose-Driven Goal-Setting
Asking “why” isn’t just a trendy self-help exercise; it’s the foundation of purposeful living. A simple yet transformative technique called “Seven Levels Deep” can help you uncover the real reason behind your goals. Here’s how it works: Start with your goal and ask yourself why it matters. Then, take that answer and ask “why” again. Repeat this process seven times.
For example:
Goal: I want to make $1 million.
Why? To buy a house for my family.
Why? To give my children a safe and happy place to grow up.
Why? Because I never had that stability growing up.
Why? Because I want to break the cycle of hardship in my family.
Why? To leave a legacy that inspires my kids.
Why? Because nothing matters more to me than creating a better future for them.
By the seventh “why,” your goal has evolved from a generic ambition to a deeply personal mission, grounded in your personal values. This emotional connection is what propels you forward when motivation wanes.
How to Use the Wheel of Life for Balanced Growth
When it comes to mapping out your next six months, year, or 5-10 years, it’s not just about setting goals—it’s about setting the right goals. That’s where tools like the Wheel of Life come in. This simple exercise invites you to rate different areas of your life—such as health, relationships, finances, career, personal growth, and spirituality—on a scale from 1 to 10. The goal is to create a well-rounded, balanced “wheel” that allows you to move forward smoothly. What would your life look like if finances and career were a 9 but health and social connections were at a 2?
What often surprises people is how interconnected these areas are. For instance, improving your physical health might boost your energy and focus, which in turn helps your career. Or strengthening your relationships at home might reduce stress, freeing up mental bandwidth for creative problem-solving at work. By identifying and prioritizing the areas that need the most attention, you can make changes that ripple through your entire life.
The Wheel of Life isn’t just a self-assessment tool—it’s a roadmap for personal and professional growth. By identifying where your wheel is out of balance, you gain clarity on what areas need immediate focus. This perspective prevents the all-too-common scenario of excelling in one area, like career, while neglecting others, like health or relationships.
The Secret to Sticking with It
So, you’ve set meaningful, well-rounded goals. Now what? The hardest part of any goal is staying consistent. Try this out. Go to the gym the first week of January and keep going for the next 6 weeks. Come mid-February, look around and see who has stopped going to the gym by that point.
This is where consistent effort and accountability come into play. Studies show that having an accountability partner can dramatically increase your chances of achieving a goal. Better yet, joining an accountability group—a tribe of like-minded individuals who support and challenge each other—can push your success rate as high as 95%.
Why does accountability work so well? Humans are social creatures. When we declare our goals to others and commit to regular check-ins, we’re far less likely to let ourselves off the hook. And when we see others making progress, it inspires us to keep going. It’s a virtuous cycle of encouragement and momentum.
Tracking progress is another critical aspect of success. Technology offers powerful tools to measure milestones and ensure your goals are time-bound and achievable. Apps that remind you of your tasks, track your fitness, or visualize financial progress can serve as silent accountability partners, keeping you on track without judgment.
Community Support: The Key to Achieving Leadership Goals
Beyond accountability, community plays a pivotal role in goal achievement. Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and aspirations can accelerate your progress. Whether it’s a professional mastermind group, a local fitness club, or an online forum, being part of a community creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It is hard to stay on top of your goals when you are surrounded by people who have none themselves.
Communities also offer resources and opportunities you might not find on your own. A mentor within your community might provide constructive feedback on a business problem. A friend at the gym might introduce you to a new workout routine. When you tap into the collective knowledge and support of a group, you multiply your chances of success.
Transforming Insights into Action
If you’re ready to take your goal-setting to the next level, we have a wealth of insights to share. In the latest episode of All Things LOCS, we delve into the pitfalls of traditional goal-setting and offer practical strategies for setting purpose-driven goals.
From using tools like the Wheel of Life to uncovering the emotional “why” behind your ambitions, we break down complex concepts into actionable steps. They discuss why so many people abandon their goals by February and how to create habits that stick. Their advice is relatable, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.
Take The First Step
Inspired to set better goals and take charge of your life? Don’t just listen—take action. We are offering a complimentary 30-minute strategy call to help you implement these ideas in your own life or business.
Whether you’re struggling to find your “why” or need help creating a balanced action plan, this call is your chance to gain personalized insights and start making meaningful changes today.
Remember, meaningful goals aren’t just about achieving more—they’re about becoming more. Let’s make this the year you break through to your ultimate goal.
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