Set a goal, a S.M.A.R.T. goal, and then commit yourself until you reach it. Sounds good in theory, but the issue is people setting outcomes that are outside of their control.

It’s the equivalent to a parent (or teacher) who says, “I want my kids to think this of me…” or the writer who says, “I want people to think of this work as my magnum opus.”

You don’t get to decide that and to obsess over the outcome will cause nothing but anxiety if it isn’t achieved.

Shooting for an outcome is fine, as long as the parameters are within your control.

Attempting to solicit a particular behaviour from others?

Get ready for disappointment.