From losing weight to launching a business, people often fail to realize their goals. In many cases these goals are attached to lifelong dreams that an individual is very passionate about.

So why is it so difficult to achieve your goals?

Why do you see other people realizing their dreams right and left, while you struggle to do so? It's not that you are lazy. You have put in plenty of time, read all the goal setting books and taken courses.

If you are spending a lot of time and energy chasing your dreams, you are to be congratulated.

This means you don't mind working hard to attain a result that is valuable and important to you. What may have slowed you down on the path to realizing your dreams are the following 7 common reasons why people fail to meet important goals they have set for themselves.

1 – You think of your goals as negative statements.

The human subconscious is what works on your goals. It doesn't understand negative thoughts. If you set a goal of "not being a doormat in relationships", your subconscious hears "being a doormat in relationships". Profess your goal as a positive statement, such as, "I will enjoy healthy relationships where both partners are equal."

Positive affirmations can help you reset your mind to achieve success and stay focused on your goals. Make them apart of your daily morning routine. You can write some on post-its and put them where you are sure to see them. For example, on the mirror of your bathroom, on the screen of your computer or on the door of your closet.

2 – Your goals are not written down.

There are countless stories of people that achieved their goals after writing them down, including myself. Don't underestimate the power of writing out your goals and reviewing them daily, or at least weekly. That way, you will be able to remind yourself where you are going and stick to your goals.

3 – You're not measuring your progress.

That leads straight to this point. If you don't know where you're going, and how far you've gone, how do you know when you get there? Break a large goal into smaller goals. Recording your progress improves your chances of success.

4 – You don't celebrate small victories.

The huge bonfire of achievement that is the accomplishment of your goals must be built up slowly. Give yourself periodic encouragements as you achieve small victories on the way to your major goal. This continually stokes the fire of your desire which gives you the willpower and determination to realize your dreams.

If you wait to achieve all your goals to celebrate, you will only end up feeling stuck and frustrated thinking that success doesn’t come fast enough. Stick to your plans and be grateful for the smallest achievements.

5 – You are in an environment which is not conducive to you achieving your goals.

If your family, co-workers, friends and neighbours are not supportive of your dream achieving efforts, all your work may be for naught. You can feel drained and discouraged. It’s time to set boundaries. Not everybody has to be ok with your goals but it’s up to you to protect them. Surround yourself only with positive thinkers ! 

6 – Your goals are too vague.

Setting a goal to "be rich" will probably never be achieved. Change that goal to" I will learn $120,000 per year as a copywriter in the health and wellness industry within 2 years" is very precise. Your achievement of this laser targeted goal is much more possible. If you think vague, you will get vague results not knowing that you are the source of the outcome.