Motivation 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Goals for Yourself By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our editorial process Published on December 17, 2021 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Friday Fix: Episode 130 More About the Podcast Every Friday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Friday Fix: Episode 130 When you struggle to reach your goals, you might be tempted to blame it on a lack of self-discipline or too many obstacles that stood in your way. But, there’s a chance the problem wasn’t a character flaw or even an environmental issue. Instead, the problem might have been the goal itself. If you don’t establish a clear, helpful goal in the beginning, you’ll set yourself up for failure. Most of us weren’t ever taught how to set goals. In fact, we were likely pressured to set an annual resolution but weren’t taught how to create short-term goals for ourselves. Creating goals for yourself is a great way to establish a happier, healthier life. When you’re working on something, you’ll feel better about yourself. And you’ll be more likely to endure the short-term pain associated with reaching a goal that can lead to long-term satisfaction. So whether you want to get in better shape, pay off your debt, become a happier person, or launch your own business, start with a good goal. The way you word that goal makes a huge difference. In today’s Friday Fix, I explain how to avoid the most common goal-setting mistakes I see as a therapist. And I’ll help you craft a goal that increases your chances of success. Remove the Pressure of Resolutions and Set Realistic Goals More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Download the Transcript Links and Resources Follow Amy Morin on Instagram Check out Amy’s books on mental strength 10 Great Tips for Keeping Your Resolutions This Year If You Liked This Episode You Might Also Like These Episodes: Psychological Tricks for Creating Lasting Change With Professor Katy Milkman Friday Fix: How to Stop Letting Self-Doubt Hold You Back Friday Fix: How to Stop Repeating Your Mistakes Goal Setting Journal Strategies for Stress Relief By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.