Goal Achievement

How To Achieve Goals: 4 Key Steps

Most people have a pretty good idea of what they want. But few people take the time to create a plan for success. These four simple steps won't just get you started, they'll also help keep you moving forward and feeling good throughout.

1. Pick Your Goals

Your end goal won't just magically appear. Take time to think about your life: where you are now, where you want to be, and what you might need to do. This will help you pick a long-term goal that you’re committed to. Whatever you do, don't rush these thoughts, don't dwell on them while feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, and stay within the realms of possibility ('I will become six inches taller' is pretty hard to achieve).

2. Write Your Goals Down

Now that you know your goal(s), it's time to write them down. This isn't just so you can remember what they are – goals have a habit of changing or fading if you leave them in your head. Research by Dr Gail Matthews at the Dominican University of California shows that you're 42% more likely to achieve your aim when it's on paper.

Outline the smaller steps you'll need to take to reach your full goal. This will make the process more manageable and give you something to reflect on when you feel stuck.

3. Track Your Progress

There are some people who make achieving things look easy, but it's nearly always the result of hard work and dedication. Once you've made a plan, block off time to work on it. This can be as little as 30 minutes, but make it non-negotiable. Of course, everyone hits bumps in the road, so accept it and don't assume all is lost if you slip up. Look at your plan, adjust your goals if you have to, take stock of what you've accomplished so far (simply making a plan is something to be proud of), and go again.

4. Celebrate Your Wins

Fact: it's okay to high-five yourself. So, while you shouldn't beat yourself up if you miss a target or a step in your plan, you should make time to celebrate every success. No matter how small. You might not see results immediately, but don't let that deter you. Remember to focus on the journey, not the destination.

Keep In Mind

Health and happiness are the ultimate goals in life. Everything else is simply a bonus. Whether you're an ambition amateur or a goal-setting god, everyone needs a coach in their corner and the techniques in this guide are designed to be just that.