A few years ago, I made a New Year’s resolution to work out five days a week. I was pumped, and ready to go, and even bought a fancy planner to track my progress. By mid-February? I had completely fallen off. Sound familiar?
Most of us have been there—setting goals with good intentions but struggling to follow through. Research shows that 91% of people who set New Year’s resolutions fail to keep them. The problem isn’t that we lack motivation; it’s that we don’t set ourselves up for success.
That’s why goal setting isn’t just about picking a target—it’s about creating a plan that works. The good news? There are simple, practical ways to make goals stick. Whether you’re aiming to save money, build a new habit, or improve your health, these nine tips will help you stay on track and see real progress.
1. Get Crystal Clear on What You Want
A vague goal is a goal that won’t happen. Saying “I want to be healthier” or “I want to save more money” sounds great, but it’s not specific enough to take action. That’s where the SMART goal framework comes in—your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example, instead of “I want to get in shape,” try:
✅ “I will exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week, for the next three months.”
Clarity makes it easier to track progress and stay motivated. If your goal is too broad, break it down until you know exactly what needs to happen.
2. Write It Down for Accountability
Studies show that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. There’s something about putting pen to paper (or typing it out) that makes a goal feel more real.
Ways to write your goals:
📌 Use a journal or planner
📌 Create a vision board with pictures
📌 Set reminders on your phone
📌 Write sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them daily
The key is to keep your goal visible so you don’t forget about it after a week or two.
3. Break Big Goals Into Small, Actionable Steps
Large goals can feel overwhelming, making it easy to procrastinate. The trick is to break them down into bite-sized steps.
For example, if your goal is to save $5,000 in a year, break it down like this:
💰 Save $417 per month
💰 That’s about $96 per week
💰 Or just $13 per day
Small steps feel more doable, and every little win keeps your motivation going.
4. Set Deadlines to Stay on Track
Without a deadline, a goal is just a wish. When you give yourself a timeframe, it creates a sense of urgency and accountability.
For example:
❌ “I’ll start eating healthier soon.” (Too vague, no pressure)
✅ “I will meal prep every Sunday for the next four weeks.” (Clear, time-bound, and actionable)
Deadlines prevent endless procrastination. If your goal has no natural deadline, create one for yourself and track your progress.
5. Make Your Goals Visible Every Day
Out of sight, out of mind. If you don’t see your goal regularly, it’s easy to forget about it. That’s why keeping visual reminders is key.
Ways to make your goal visible:
📅 Write it on your bathroom mirror
📱 Set a daily phone reminder
💻 Make it your laptop or phone wallpaper
📝 Use a sticky note on your desk
The more you see your goal, the more likely you are to stay focused and take action.
6. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of the biggest reasons people quit on their goals is because they expect perfection. But life happens—there will be setbacks, missed days, and moments where things don’t go as planned. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Instead of thinking “I messed up, so I might as well quit,” shift your mindset to “I slipped up, but I’m still making progress.”
For example:
- If you’re trying to work out daily and miss a day, just start again tomorrow.
- If you’re saving money but have an unexpected expense, adjust your budget instead of giving up.
Small progress is still progress. Keep moving forward, even if it’s not perfect.
7. Build Habits That Support Your Goals
Motivation is great, but it fades. Habits keep you going. The key is to make your goal part of your daily routine so it becomes automatic.
One of the best ways to do this is habit stacking—pairing a new habit with something you already do.
For example:
✅ Want to read more? Read 10 pages while drinking your morning coffee.
✅ Want to exercise more? Do 10 squats after brushing your teeth.
✅ Want to save money? Transfer $5 to savings every time you get paid.
When habits support your goals, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone.
8. Track Your Progress and Adjust as Needed
Checking in on your progress helps you stay motivated and adjust your approach if needed. Goals aren’t set in stone—you might need to tweak them along the way.
Ways to track progress:
📊 Use a habit tracker app
📝 Keep a goal journal
📅 Do a weekly or monthly check-in
Ask yourself: Am I making progress? Do I need to adjust my strategy? If something isn’t working, change it rather than give up.
9. Get an Accountability Partner or Support System
It’s easier to stay committed when someone else is rooting for you. Studies show that people who share their goals with an accountability partner are 65% more likely to achieve them—and if they have regular check-ins, their chances jump to 95%.
Ways to find accountability:
👫 Ask a friend or family member to check in on your progress
💬 Join an online community or group with similar goals
📅 Schedule weekly or monthly check-ins with someone you trust
When you know someone is keeping you accountable, you’re more likely to follow through.
Conclusion
Setting goals is easy—sticking to them is the hard part. But with the right approach, you can turn your goals into real, lasting progress.
The key takeaways? Get specific, write it down, break it into steps, and build habits that support your success. Progress matters more than perfection, and tracking your efforts will keep you motivated.
And if you really want to increase your chances of success, find an accountability partner to keep you on track.
So, what goal are you committing to today? Write it down, set a deadline, and take that first small step. Your future self will thank you.
FAQ: Setting Goals
Most people fail because they set vague goals, don’t track their progress, or rely solely on motivation. Without a clear plan and accountability, it’s easy to lose focus and give up.
Motivation comes and goes, so the key is to build habits that make your goal part of your daily routine. Tracking progress, celebrating small wins, and having an accountability partner can also help you stay on track.
Start by defining the end result, then work backward. Identify key milestones and break them into weekly or daily actions. For example, if you want to save $1,200 in a year, aim for $100 per month or $25 per week.
A weekly check-in works well for most people. It allows you to adjust your approach if needed and keeps you accountable. Some goals (like saving money) may only need a monthly review.
Don’t quit! Missing a day or falling behind is normal. Instead of getting discouraged, adjust your plan and keep going. Progress is more important than perfection.
Treat goal-setting like a skill—you get better with practice. Start small, track your successes, and refine your approach over time. Eventually, setting and achieving goals will become second nature.