How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve

Practical strategies to stay motivated, make progress, and build habits that stick

Finishing the New York City Marathon

It’s about that time of year when our New Year's resolutions might start slipping. Maybe you told yourself you’d wake up at 5 AM to work out, study two hours a day, or finally stop procrastinating. But somehow, life gets in the way.

The problem isn’t you. The problem is how most people set goals. The good news? With the right approach, you can set goals that stick—without putting too much pressure on yourself. Here’s how.

1. Stop Setting “All or Nothing” Goals

Most goals fail because they’re too extreme. We aim for perfection (work out every day, get straight A’s, meditate for 30 minutes daily), and the moment we slip up, we quit.

Instead:

• Set a goal that allows for flexibility (Work out 3–4 times a week instead of every day).

• Focus on consistency over intensity (Reading for 5 minutes daily is better than one hour once a month).

• Remember: Progress > Perfection.

2. Use the SMART Goal Method (Because Vague Goals Don’t Work)

A goal like “I want to get in shape” or “I need to stop procrastinating” is too vague. You need a plan.

SMART goals are:

• Specific – What exactly do you want to accomplish?

• Measurable – How will you track progress?

• Achievable – Is this realistic for your lifestyle?

• Relevant – Does this goal actually matter to you?

• Time-bound – What’s your deadline?

Instead of “I want to get better grades,” try: “I will study for 30 minutes on weekdays and review notes every Sunday for the next two months.”

3. Break Big Goals Into Tiny, Doable Steps

Big goals feel overwhelming. The trick? Break them down.

• Big Goal: “I want to run a 5K.”

• Step 1: Buy running shoes.

• Step 2: Run for 5 minutes three times this week.

• Step 3: Increase to 10 minutes next week.

Starting small makes it easier to stay consistent. And consistency is what leads to results.

4. Make It Easy to Follow Through

Willpower isn’t enough—your environment matters. If your goal is to:

• Study more → Keep your notes organized and set a designated study time.

• Work out → Lay out your gym clothes the night before.

• Eat healthier → Stock up on easy, healthy snacks.

The less effort it takes to start, the more likely you are to stick with it.

5. Stay Accountable (But In a Way That Works for You)

Some people thrive on public accountability (telling friends your goal), while others prefer quiet self-tracking (checking off progress in a planner). Figure out what works for you:

• Accountability Buddy – Work toward goals with a friend.

• Habit Tracker – Use an app or a journal to log progress.

• Reward System – Set mini rewards (after studying, I’ll watch an episode of my favorite show).

6. Expect Setbacks (And Plan for Them)

Most people quit when they hit a rough patch. Instead, plan for failure.

• Missed a workout? Do a 5-minute stretch instead.

• Skipped a study session? Make up for it with a 10-minute review the next day.

• Feeling unmotivated? Revisit why this goal matters to you.

Success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about getting back on track faster.

7. Celebrate Wins (Even the Small Ones)

We often wait until we reach the big goal to celebrate. But acknowledging small wins keeps you motivated.

• Finished a chapter of your textbook? Great.

• Stuck to your new routine for a week? Amazing.

• Pushed through a tough day? That’s a win.

Every step forward counts. Recognize it.

Achieving your goals isn’t about hustling non-stop—it’s about creating habits that fit your real life. Small, consistent actions will always beat big, unsustainable efforts.

So, what’s one small step you can take today toward your goal? Start there. Progress will follow.