If you think having multiple goals guarantees you’ll succeed, you’re wrong. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The maximum number of goals your mind can focus on at once is three. Any more than this leads to Goal Glut, which is a state of overwhelm that stops you from taking action.

So, why does Goal Glut happen? Well, it’s definitely not your fault. The most common cause is poor leadership. Think about how many times you’ve walked out of a team planning day with a massive list of goals, objectives or KPIs. It’s overwhelming and demotivating, to say the least.

4 signs to watch out for

Signs you’re working in a business that promotes Goal Glut include these:

• Constantly changing priorities
• Complicated planning and performance management processes
• Inconsistent messaging and communication
• Lack of follow-through on plans

How to beat goal glut

Great leaders don’t encourage this behaviour. Instead, they apply the Rule of 3. As the name suggests, this means setting three goals. But not just any goals, meaningful goals. That’s right. You can throw out the SMART formula. Meaningful goals are way more powerful.

Positive psychology researchers have shown that meaningful goals have emotional resonance. They’re easy to remember, because they ‘re anchored in your heart and soul. You’re far better off having three meaningful goals rather than ten that you don’t even care about. That’s how successful people avoid the paralysing grip of Goal Glut and build true momentum in both life and business.

It’s time to bust the myths that lead to Goal Glut. Multitasking doesn’t work. Being busy doesn’t drive results. And measuring output simply for the sake of it is pointless. Start focusing on what truly matters. Set three goals. Make each of them meaningful.  And say goodbye to Goal Glut once and for all.

This article was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer and success coach. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.  Since discovering her passion for training and development, Eleanor has trained more than 60,000 people. She delivers face-to-face workshops for corporates, online masterclasses for leaders and Positive Psychology retreats for trainers, HR practitioners and leaders.