Set Goals That Are Within Your Control

Whenever you’re trying to set a goal, set one that is within your control.

Don’t set a goal to get 10,000 newsletter subscribers in the next year; set a goal to send 50 newsletter issues instead.

Sending out a newsletter consistently is tangible, entirely within your control. There are exact steps you can take to get there. (Write and hit send every week.)

And reaching specific numbers might be attainable, but it’s outside of your control. Your message will have to resonate with random strangers, and there is always a chance you don’t reach the right kind of people. Or you might simply need more time and effort to refine your message.

Failing at an external goal can discourage you, maybe even frustrate you. Still, it’s completely irrelevant, as long as you’re moving in the right direction, as long as you’re improving.

Therefore, whenever you’re thinking about goals, think about goals that are within your control.