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16 Reasons People Give Up on Their Goals

Goal abandonment is a major issue, with sources estimating that over 90% of people fail to achieve New Year's resolutions (Marist Poll, 2022). This article analyzes research correlating reasons people give up on goals with Spiral Dynamics developmental stages. The list of 16 common reasons was compiled by Anna Vital [1,2,3], owner of Adioma [4], and published via infographic on social media [5]. By understanding the connections between goal abandonment factors and psychological value systems, tailored interventions can be designed to improve motivation and perseverance. 


Introduction


Achieving meaningful goals is critical for a sense of purpose, yet many abandon this pursuit when challenges arise. While giving up is rarely due to a lack of desire, complex psychological factors often sabotage perseverance. Reasons for quitting vary based on one's values, beliefs, and worldview. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to help most overcome obstacles.


This article will analyze new research correlating reasons for abandoning goals with Spiral Dynamics, a framework of psychological development. By uncovering connections to Spiral Dynamics value-systems, data-driven insights can enable customized strategies to boost motivation and achievement. This psychographic approach represents a promising avenue for improving perseverance. 


This article will analyze the next SDTEST poll, Reasons Why People Give Up, to uncover why people give up on goals using the framework of Spiral Dynamics. Spiral Dynamics proposes that human psychological development progresses through eight key stages called “value-systems” or vMEMEs. Each vMEME involves distinct motivations, perspectives, and behaviors. 


Spiral Dynamics categorizes human cognitive, moral, and value systems into eight color-coded stages - from Beige instinctual drives to Turquoise holistic thought. Each stage represents a distinct motivational focus. 


ColorBeigePurpleRedBlueOrangeGreenYellowTurquoise
In a lifeSurvivalFamily relationsThe rule of forceThe power of truthCompetitionInterpersonal relationsFlexible streamThe Global vision
In a businessOwn farmFamily businessStarting up a personal businessBusiness Process ManagementProject managementSocial networksWin-Win-Win behaviorSynthesis

The research provides data-driven insights into this issue by correlating common reasons for abandoning goals with Spiral Dynamics vMEMEs. Understanding these connections can enable tailored strategies to help individuals override demotivation based on their unique mindsets and values. This psychographic approach represents a promising avenue for improving perseverance and achievement.

The analysis in this article is based on recent data from an international poll, Reasons Why People Give Up, conducted by SDTEST across 62 countries. The poll compiled responses from a minimum of 704 participants, spanning 15 languages, between August 2022 and the present day. 

Participants were presented with a list of 16 common reasons people give up on their goals. Anna Vital originally developed this list of reasons in her infographic on the topic. The SDTEST poll, Reasons Why People Give Up, asked respondents to select all the reasons for abandoning goals in their lives and rate their choices on a 10-point scale, where 10 is the maximum value.

The results provided insights into the most prevalent factors behind goal abandonment among the poll respondents. The top five most commonly selected reasons were:

  1. Feel sorry for themselves (7%) 
  2. Stop believing in themselves (8%)
  3. Expect fast results (8%) 
  4. Fear failure more than desire success (7%)
  5. Dwell on mistakes (7%)


This SDTEST poll, Reasons Why People Give Up, provides real-world data on goal abandonment factors that will be analyzed through the lens of Spiral Dynamics theory. Identifying connections between the reasons people commonly give up and psychological value systems can enable targeted solutions.


Revealing connections between the reasons people give up on goals and their psychological worldviews can provide insights into tailored solutions to improve motivation and achievement for individuals based on an understanding of their values and beliefs. This psychographic approach has the potential to move beyond one-size-fits-all interventions to address the complex human behaviors behind goal abandonment. By leveraging the theory of Spiral Dynamics, this analysis aims to uncover actionable strategies for supporting perseverance.


Overview of Key Findings from Poll


The SDTEST poll, Reasons Why People Give Up, asked respondents to select all the reasons for abandoning goals in their lives and rate their choices on a 10-point scale, where 10 is the maximum value. Below, you can read an abridged version of the results of our VUCA poll. The full results of our VUCA poll are available for free in the FAQ section after login or registration.


The rate of the reasons findings from the poll for 2022-08-01 – the current date you can see in the widget below on the tab Charts. The chart at the top displays the respondents' rate of the listed reasons. The chart at the bottom displays the respondents' responses to the SDTEST by colors of the Spiral Dynamics. This factual data is used to calculate the correlation with the reasons that respondents indicate in their answers.


It is important to note that the correlation values change in the online widget depending on the number of response results. Therefore, the values indicated in the text may not match the actual calculations displayed in the widget. The full results of our VUCA poll are free in the FAQ section after login or registration.


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Lominu ni iye ti awọn ibamu olùsọdipúpọ
Pinpin deede, nipasẹ William Searin (ọmọ ile-iwe) r = 0.0592
Pinpin deede, nipasẹ William Searin (ọmọ ile-iwe) r = 0.0592
Pinpin deede, nipasẹ Spearman r = 0.0024
PinpinTi
kii ṣe deede
DeedeeDeedeeDeedeeDeedeeDeedeeDeedeeDeedee
Gbogbo awọn ibeere
Gbogbo awọn ibeere
Kini idi ti eniyan fi fun?
Kini idi ti eniyan fi fun?
Answer 1-
Alailagbara odi
-0.0227
Alailagbara
0.0457
Alailagbara
0.0289
Alailagbara
0.0635
Alailagbara odi
-0.0746
Alailagbara
0.0097
Alailagbara odi
-0.0397
Answer 2-
Alailagbara odi
-0.0137
Alailagbara
0.0203
Alailagbara
0.0544
Alailagbara
0.0219
Alailagbara odi
-0.0371
Alailagbara odi
-0.0374
Alailagbara odi
-0.0053
Answer 3-
Alailagbara
0.0499
Alailagbara
0.0825
Alailagbara
0.0094
Alailagbara odi
-0.0587
Alailagbara odi
-0.0154
Alailagbara odi
-0.0587
Alailagbara
0.0303
Answer 4-
Alailagbara
0.0110
Alailagbara
0.0569
Alailagbara
0.0351
Alailagbara
0.0195
Alailagbara odi
-0.0467
Alailagbara odi
-0.0239
Alailagbara odi
-0.0273
Answer 5-
Alailagbara
0.0555
Alailagbara
0.0644
Alailagbara odi
-0.0317
Alailagbara odi
-0.0847
Alailagbara
0.0204
Alailagbara odi
-0.0151
Alailagbara
0.0305
Answer 6-
Alailagbara
0.0181
Alailagbara
0.0203
Alailagbara odi
-0.0307
Alailagbara odi
-0.0228
Alailagbara odi
-0.0323
Alailagbara
0.0280
Alailagbara
0.0351
Answer 7-
Alailagbara
0.0459
Alailagbara
0.0372
Alailagbara
0.0075
Alailagbara odi
-0.0139
Alailagbara odi
-0.0970
Alailagbara odi
-0.0327
Alailagbara
0.0721
Answer 8-
Alailagbara
0.0722
Alailagbara
0.0393
Alailagbara odi
-0.0065
Alailagbara odi
-0.0654
Alailagbara odi
-0.0458
Alailagbara
0.0140
Alailagbara
0.0366
Answer 9-
Alailagbara
0.0218
Alailagbara
0.1189
Alailagbara odi
-0.0035
Alailagbara odi
-0.0176
Alailagbara odi
-0.0650
Alailagbara
0.0050
Alailagbara odi
-0.0127
Answer 10-
Alailagbara
0.0098
Alailagbara
0.0671
Alailagbara odi
-0.0280
Alailagbara
0.0040
Alailagbara odi
-0.0457
Alailagbara
0.0273
Alailagbara odi
-0.0071
Answer 11-
Alailagbara
0.0489
Alailagbara
0.0706
Alailagbara odi
-0.0326
Alailagbara odi
-0.0052
Alailagbara odi
-0.0579
Alailagbara
0.0020
Alailagbara
0.0127
Answer 12-
Alailagbara
0.1004
Alailagbara
0.0174
Alailagbara odi
-0.0359
Alailagbara odi
-0.1092
Alailagbara
0.0122
Alailagbara
0.0442
Alailagbara
0.0148
Answer 13-
Alailagbara
0.0627
Alailagbara odi
-0.0060
Alailagbara odi
-0.0415
Alailagbara odi
-0.0173
Alailagbara
0.0206
Alailagbara
0.0121
Alailagbara odi
-0.0097
Answer 14-
Alailagbara odi
-0.0012
Alailagbara
0.0795
Alailagbara odi
-0.0200
Alailagbara odi
-0.0438
Alailagbara odi
-0.0406
Alailagbara
0.0134
Alailagbara
0.0383
Answer 15-
Alailagbara
0.0449
Alailagbara
0.0688
Alailagbara odi
-0.0411
Alailagbara odi
-0.0360
Alailagbara odi
-0.0232
Alailagbara
0.0361
Alailagbara odi
-0.0064
Answer 16-
Alailagbara
0.0358
Alailagbara
0.0936
Alailagbara
0.0378
Alailagbara
0.0437
Alailagbara odi
-0.0881
Alailagbara odi
-0.0402
Alailagbara odi
-0.0410


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The top five most commonly selected reasons were:

  1. Expect fast results (8%)
  2. Stop believing in themselves (8%)
  3. Feel sorry for themselves (7%)
  4. Fear failure more than desire success (7%)
  5. Dwell on mistakes (7%)

This overview of the key results provides context on the most prevalent factors behind participants abandoning their goals. Next, correlations between these reasons and Spiral Dynamics will be analyzed.


Correlating Reasons with Spiral Dynamics Stages


The poll responses were statistically correlated with the eight Spiral Dynamics “vMEMEs” (value systems) to reveal connections between the goal abandonment reasons and Spiral Dynamics value systems. 


Each of the 16 reasons from the poll was calculated with a correlation coefficient (Normal distribution, by William Sealy Gosset (Student) and Non-Normal distribution, by Spearman r) to measure its relationship with each of the eight vMEMEs. The vMEMEs, also known as colors.


The correlation coefficient quantifies the strength of the linear relationship between each reason and vMEME, with values ranging from -1 to 1. Values close to -1 indicate a strong negative correlation, values close to 1 indicate a strong positive correlation, and values near 0 indicate little to no correlation.


Using established statistical methods, correlations above 0.074 were considered statistically significant based on the sample size of 704 poll responses. This critical value allows us to focus the analysis on the most meaningful correlations that are unlikely to be due to chance alone.


The Spiral Dynamics framework will present and discuss the most significant positive and negative correlations in the next section. This data-driven approach helps uncover how different value systems relate to the psychology behind abandoning goals.


Below are the correlation coefficients between each of the 16 reasons why people give up and the eight Spiral Dynamics colors. The critical value of the correlation coefficient Normal distribution, by William Sealy Gosset (Student) r = 0.074.


DistributionNon NormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Reasons why people give up / Spiral Dynamics colorsBeigePurpleRedBlueOrangeGreenYellowTurquoise
 Expect fast results--0,05450,05450,02050,0371-0,00770,0131-0,0594
 Stop believing in themselves--0,06590,0160,04510,0728-0,0426-0,04980,0015
 Get stuck in the past-0,0176 0,07630,0274-0,0397-0,0048-0,05040,0061
 Dwell on mistakes--0,00050,06230,0163-0,0038-0,0118-0,011-0,0304
 Fear the future-0,0347 0,0767-0,0338 -0,07810,02150,00940,0115
 Resist change-0,00630,0553-0,0277-0,0084-0,00780,0229-0,0151
 Give up their power-0,02090,0514-0,00590,0074 -0,082-0,0320,0552
 Believe in their weaknesses-0,04160,0271-0,0408-0,04580,00710,01790,0204
 Feel the world owes them something-0,0274 0,15020,005-0,0077-0,0371-0,0152-0,0608
 Fear failure more than desire success-0,0073 0,0749-0,05740,0143-0,00470,0066-0,0195
 Never visualize what is possible-0,04470,0532-0,06890,018-0,01710,0284-0,0276
 Feel they have something to lose- 0,08580,0123-0,0583 -0,0753-0,00450,05640,0204
 Overwork-0,04860,0216-0,0673-0,01740,01620,00930,0067
 Assume their problems are unique--0,001 0,077-0,0224-0,051-0,00640,00880,0228
 See failure as the signal to turn back-0,01650,0505 -0,0871-0,04820,0041 0,09060,0031
 Feel sorry for themselves-0,0266 0,11240,04690,0482-0,0594-0,0517 -0,0768


Here are examples of the reasons of some European countries with a correlation coefficient greater than a critical value of the correlation coefficient Normal distribution, by William Sealy Gosset (Student) r.


France



Germany



Netherlands


You can not only just create your poll in idiyele «V.U.C.A didi onise» (with a unique link and your logo) but also you can earn money by selling its results in idiyele «Ile didan», as already the authors of polls.


Interpreting the Correlations


To gain deeper insight into how different groups perceive major issues, the SDTEST results were correlated statistically with the color codes of Spiral Dynamics. This analysis technique matches concerns like inflation or climate change with the psychological and social development levels.

The critical value of the correlation coefficient Normal distribution, by William Sealy Gosset (Student) r = 0.074


Here is an in-depth interpretation of the specified correlation findings:


1. Purple stage has a positive correlation of 0.0858 with "Feel they have something to lose"

- The Purple vMEME prioritizes safety, security, and belonging to their tribe or group. They are focused on avoiding loss. This correlation indicates Purples are more likely to abandon goals that threaten what they have or disrupt their stable tribal relationships.


2. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.0763 with "Get stuck in the past" 

- Reds value power, bold action, and conquest. However, this correlation suggests they can become preoccupied with past glories or traps, hindering their ability to move forward. Their nostalgia for the past may hold them back.


3. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.0767 with "Fear the future"

- Although Reds seek power, the unknown represents a threat. They rely on familiar hierarchies and ways of doing things. This finding indicates Reds are more prone to abandoning goals that seem uncertain or require venturing into unfamiliar territory.


4. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.1502 with "Feel the world owes them something"

- Reds feel they must fight for what they deserve in life. This strong correlation shows an enhanced sense of entitlement - Reds are more likely to give up when the world does not provide them what they believe they are owed. 


5. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.0749 with "Fear failure more than desire success"

- While Reds seek power and control, failure challenges their dominant self-image. This finding reflects how fear of failure overrides achievement goals for Reds.


6. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.077 with "Assume their problems are unique"

- The Red tendency towards egocentrism may isolate them from others. Reds are more likely to see their problems as unlike anyone else's, contributing to abandonment of goals.


7. Red stage has a positive correlation of 0.1124 with "Feel sorry for themselves"

- Reds are prone to drama and victim mentality. Reds are more likely to indulge in self-pity rather than problem-solve when challenges arise, derailing their goals.


8. Blue stage has a negative correlation of -0.0871 with "See failure as the signal to turn back"

- Blues value sacrifice and redemption. So failure spurs them to try harder to get back on the "right path." This inverse correlation shows Blues are less likely to take failure as a sign to give up.


9. Orange stage has a negative correlation of -0.0781 with "Fear the future"

- Oranges are opportunistic and entrepreneurial. They see the future as full of possibilities to leverage for success. This inverse correlation indicates Oranges are less prone to give up due to future uncertainty.


10. Orange stage has a negative correlation of -0.0753 with "Feel they have something to lose"

- Oranges are competitive and achievement-focused. They are less encumbered by fear of loss. This suggests they will push forward with goals despite potential risks.


11. Green stage has a negative correlation of -0.082 with "Give up their power"  

- Greens value personal empowerment and self-actualization. They are more likely to persist with goals that align with their identity and passions.


12. Yellow stage has a positive correlation of 0.0906 with "See failure as the signal to turn back"

- Yellows integrate multiple perspectives, including learning from failure. This correlation suggests Yellows are more likely to adopt goals based on lessons from failure, rather than giving up entirely.


13. Turquoise stage has a negative correlation of -0.0768 with "Feel sorry for themselves"

- Turquoises take a systemic, holistic view focused on collective progress. Their goal persistence is less affected by self-pity.


Drawing on examples from the seminal Spiral Dynamics work "Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership, and Change” strengthens the interpretation of the correlations and relates the statistical findings to real-world manifestations of the vMEME value systems.


The correlations between the reasons for abandoning goals and Spiral Dynamics stages reveal insights about the motivations and perspectives of each vMEME. 


For example, the Red stage's positive correlation with "feel the world owes them something" reflects their core driving force being power and control, as described in the book. Reds seek glory, respect, prestige, and entitlements from the world. When these are not forthcoming, Reds are more prone to give up on goals and feel victimized, as the correlation indicates.


The positive Purple correlation with "feel they have something to lose" is supported by the book's depiction of Purples as valuing safety, security, and group inclusion. When goals threaten to take away something they value or disrupt group stability, Purples are more likely to abandon the goals to preserve what they have, as the correlation suggests.


The negative Blue correlation with "see failure as the signal to turn back" aligns with the book's description of sacrifice and redemption being core Blue values. This finding indicates Blues will view failure as a test of faith and a sign to try harder rather than give up, fitting their internal framework.


The positive Yellow correlation with "see failure as the signal to turn back" reflects Yellows' integrative worldview. The book describes their ability to extract lessons and reframe failure with an adaptive approach. This supports the correlation linking Yellows with course-correcting rather than abandoning goals after failures.


Applying the Insights


The correlations between the reasons for abandoning goals and Spiral Dynamics stages provide targeted insights that can be applied to help improve perseverance. Practical recommendations include:


Individuals:

  • Purples who correlate with "fear losing something" may persist by emphasizing how the goal aligns with group values. Example: a change initiative is positioned as improving practices to benefit the whole team. 
  • Reds who correlate with "fear failure" could set smaller milestones to gain confidence in achieving success. Example: someone launching a startup splits the goal into funding, prototyping, and customer acquisition stages.
  • Blues correlating with persistence despite failure could frame goals around service and significance. Example: A doctor continues pursuing a vaccine despite setbacks because it will save lives.
  • Oranges less fearful of the future could set stretch visionary goals. Example: An entrepreneur starts a company aimed at colonizing Mars. 
  • Yellows who adapt goals based on failure could conduct iterative experiments. Example: A scientist tweaks hypotheses based on results rather than abandoning a research line.
  • Greens who negatively correlate with "give up power" may be motivated by aligning goals to their identity. Example: an activist persists in policy reform goals tied to their values.


Organizations: 

  • Give Purples time to process changes and provide group support. Example: town halls to discuss impacts of new initiatives on the organization.
  • Offer Reds achievable challenges to build competencies and counter fear of failure. Example: sales contests with tiered attainable goals.
  • Offer Blues opportunities to connect goals to meaning and purpose. Example: Healthcare workers are shown how improved processes impact patient outcomes. 
  • Give Oranges autonomy to set bold goals and take risks. Example: R&D teams are empowered to prototype innovative ideas without fear of failure rapidly.
  • Ensure Greens have autonomy over goals supporting self-actualization. Example: discretion over projects tied to causes they are passionate about.
  • EncourageYellows to share lessons learned across teams and adjust goals. Example: Technology company holds failure parties to pivot based on prototypes that didn't work.


These examples demonstrate how individuals can be motivated by matching goals to their Spiral traits. Organizations can also increase buy-in and achievement by appealing to different value systems.


Conclusion


This analysis of goal abandonment reasons correlated with Spiral Dynamics stages yielded several key insights:

  • Reasons people give up are linked to psychological value systems. Reds correlate with entitlement and fear of failure. Purples correlate with fear of instability. Blues persist despite setbacks. 
  • Tailored strategies can target root causes based on someone's Spiral orientation. Matching goals to motivations and worldviews improves persistence.
  • Organizations can motivate achievement by appealing to different Spiral perspectives. Enable teams based on value systems. 


While this exploration uncovered meaningful relationships, larger datasets could reveal more nuanced patterns. Additional research should replicate and expand upon these findings across broader demographics. Extending the correlation analysis to other goal achievement factors could also provide a fuller picture.


Using Spiral Dynamics to Understand Goal Abandonment and Improve Goal Persistence:

  • Understanding the reasons for giving up from a Spiral Dynamics perspective can help individuals and organizations develop tailored strategies to address these reasons.
  • For example, individuals at the Red stage may benefit from reframing their mindset to focus on growth and learning rather than feeling sorry for themselves or assuming their problems are unique.
  • Organizations can also use Spiral Dynamics to design interventions tailored to their employees' developmental stage, such as leadership development programs designed to meet the needs of individuals at different stages of the Spiral.
  • By understanding individuals' and groups' underlying motivations and values, Spiral Dynamics can be a powerful tool for improving goal persistence and achieving success.


Examples:

  • An individual at the Red stage struggling to persist in their goals may benefit from working with a coach or therapist who can help them reframe their mindset and develop a growth-oriented perspective.
  • An organization that is struggling with high turnover rates may benefit from using Spiral Dynamics to design a leadership development program that is tailored to the developmental stage of their employees, such as a program that focuses on developing the leadership skills of individuals at the Green stage who may be more likely to give up their power.
  • A team that is struggling to achieve their goals may benefit from using Spiral Dynamics to identify the underlying reasons for their lack of progress and develop tailored strategies to address these reasons, such as providing additional support and resources for individuals at the Purple stage who may be more likely to give up when they feel they have something to lose.


In conclusion, this psychographic approach demonstrates the power of frameworks like Spiral Dynamics. Understanding human motivations through the lens of developmental levels enables customized solutions. With more validated insights, we can move beyond one-size-fits-all interventions to help individuals and organizations accomplish their most meaningful goals.



[1] https://twitter.com/annavitals

[2] https://linkedin.com/in/annavital

[3] https://facebook.com/annavital.official

[4] https://adioma.com

[5] https://facebook.com/annavitals/posts/pfbid0L9YdgdDmTG4DCGjxQ7j5NcibjJBTVbZsc6kvTN7tCrvZNC3oL8yJpb9JVGjMd231l

2023.08.27
Valeriii Kosenko
Ọja Sus Pet Project Sdtest®

A ṣe oṣiṣẹ Valerii gẹgẹbi onimọ-jinlẹ ti o jẹ aṣoju-ọrọ ti o jẹ aṣoju ọdun 1993 ati pe o ti lo imo rẹ ni iṣakoso iṣẹ akanṣe.
Valerii gba ìyí ti oluwa rẹ ati iṣẹ akanṣe ati ilana ilana eto eto ni ọdun 2013. Lakoko eto oluwa rẹ, o jẹ ipinya ti agbekale (GPM Rutscherschaft Für ProjekThatamencationscramentamencationscramentamencation
Valerii mu ọpọlọpọ awọn idanwo awọn idanwo shanics ati lo imoye rẹ ati iriri lati mu ẹya ti isiyi ṣe deede.
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