How Can I Set Goals That Will Stick?

We’ve all been there... we get a burst of inspiration, jot down all we want to accomplish, and then… two weeks later it’s nowhere to be found.

Life happens, motivation fades, and suddenly that goal is gathering dust in the corner.

The good news? Goal setting doesn’t have to feel like a cycle of hype and burnout. With the right approach, you can set goals that are realistic, motivating, and—most importantly—stick. Here’s how:

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

First things first—what do you actually want to work on? Goals can live in all sorts of life areas:

• Relationships (friends and family)

• Career, employment, or education

• Finances

• Health and wellness

• Lifestyle and daily habits

• Personal development

  
  

✨ Tip: Make your goals both realistic and specific.

• Too vague: “Eat healthier.”

• Better: “Add a vegetable to each dinner.”

The second goal is clear, doable, and measurable. You’ll know when you’ve done it.

Step 2: Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming—but every mountain is climbed one step at a time. Break your goal into small, manageable steps.

Example:

• “Clean the kitchen every Sunday” →

• “Wash the dishes” →

• “Collect dishes from the living room” →

• “Put them in the sink”

Suddenly, the task isn’t one giant monster—it’s a series of quick wins.

Step 3: Plan for Obstacles

Spoiler alert: life will get in the way sometimes. Instead of being surprised, plan for it. Ask yourself:

• What might stop me from reaching this goal?

• How can I make it more achievable?

  
  

Example: If your goal is to exercise three times a week, what’s your backup plan if work runs late? Maybe it’s a 10-minute stretch at home or a walk around the block instead of the gym.

Step 4: Schedule It In

A goal without a plan is just a wish. If you want it to stick, decide what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.

And here’s the key: be flexible.

• Can’t make it to the gym? Take the stairs that day.

• Missed meal prep on Sunday? Pack one healthy snack for tomorrow instead.

  
  

Flexibility keeps the momentum going instead of slipping into “all or nothing” thinking.

Step 5: Take Action (and Adjust as Needed)

Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to wait for motivation to show up. Motivation usually follows action.

• Do the thing.

• Celebrate small wins.

• Revise if needed.

  
  

If you hit your goal, give yourself a reward (yes, you earned it). If you don’t, don’t beat yourself up, just retrace your steps and adjust. Any goal can be broken down into smaller, more doable steps.

Final Takeaway

Goals that stick aren’t about willpower or luck. They’re about clarity, flexibility, and consistent small steps. When you:

1. Set realistic and specific goals

2. Break them down

3. Plan for obstacles

4. Schedule them in

5. Take action (and adjust when needed)

…you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, not just short-term hype.

So, what’s one small, specific goal you can set today that your future self will thank you for? :)