Achieve What Matters: How to Set and Stick to Personal Goals That Actually Work

Setting personal goals is easy, but sticking to them? That’s where the challenge lies. Whether you’re striving for a healthier lifestyle, advancing your career, or mastering a new skill, learning how to set and stick to personal goals that actually matter can transform your life. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Identify What Truly Matters to You

Before setting personal goals, it’s essential to first identify what truly matters. Many people fall into the trap of setting goals based on external pressures—whether it’s societal expectations or what others think is important. However, the most fulfilling and successful goals are those that align with your core values and passions.

According to research from the University of California, people who set goals based on personal values and desires are more likely to stay motivated and achieve success (Levy, 2021).

Tip: Take some time to reflect on your values. Ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve, and why does it matter to me?” Once you have a clear understanding of what matters to you, setting meaningful goals becomes easier.

2. Make Your Goals Specific and Achievable

A common mistake when setting personal goals is making them too vague or unrealistic. Broad goals like “get fit” or “be successful” often lack direction and clarity, which makes them harder to stick to. Instead, make your goals specific and measurable. For example, instead of saying “get fit,” say “work out for 30 minutes, three times a week.”

Research from the American Psychological Association emphasizes that specific and measurable goals improve focus, making it easier to track progress and stay committed (Miller, 2020).

Tip: Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you reach each milestone. For example, if your goal is to read more, aim to read 10 pages a day instead of a vague goal of “read more books.”

3. Write Down Your Goals and Track Your Progress

There’s something powerful about writing down your goals. A study conducted by the Dominican University of California found that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t (Matthews, 2019). Writing your goals down not only clarifies them but also creates a sense of commitment.

Tracking your progress is just as important. It helps you measure your success and stay accountable, reminding you of the progress you’ve made. It also helps identify obstacles early, so you can adjust your approach as needed.

Tip: Keep a journal or use a goal-setting app to track your goals. Whether it’s a weekly check-in or a daily to-do list, tracking your progress will keep you motivated.

4. Break Down Long-Term Goals into Short-Term Actions

Long-term goals can feel overwhelming, especially if they seem too far off. This often leads to procrastination and eventual burnout. To make it easier to stick to your goals, break them down into smaller, short-term tasks. This makes the journey feel more achievable and allows you to build momentum as you accomplish each task.

Psychologist Edwin Locke’s goal-setting theory emphasizes that breaking down goals into specific tasks makes them more manageable and motivates individuals to take action (Locke, 2020).

Tip: For example, if your long-term goal is to launch your own business, break it down into smaller steps like creating a business plan, researching funding options, and registering your business. Completing these tasks one by one will make the larger goal feel more attainable.

5. Create an Actionable Plan and Stick to It

Setting a goal is just the first step; the key to achieving it is creating an actionable plan and committing to it. This means scheduling time for goal-related activities, prioritizing your tasks, and minimizing distractions. Developing a habit of consistency is essential to making your goals a reality.

A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who scheduled time for their goals and stayed consistent in their efforts were far more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t (Morris, 2021).

Tip: Use time-blocking or the Pomodoro technique to schedule time for your goals. By sticking to a routine, you’ll form habits that will make achieving your personal goals easier over time.

6. Hold Yourself Accountable

Accountability is a powerful motivator. When you’re the only one holding yourself accountable, it can be easy to procrastinate or let your goals slip. To increase your chances of success, share your goals with someone you trust—a friend, family member, or mentor. Having someone to check in with makes it harder to let your goals fall by the wayside.

Research shows that individuals who share their goals with others are more likely to stay committed and achieve them (Schultz, 2020).

Tip: Set up regular check-ins with your accountability partner to discuss your progress. Whether it’s a weekly phone call or a monthly review, having someone to report back to will keep you motivated.

7. Embrace Flexibility and Adjust When Necessary

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. When this happens, it’s essential to be flexible with your approach. Instead of giving up on your goals altogether, make adjustments as needed. You can modify your timeline, change the approach, or reassess the resources you need to stay on track.

According to research by Harvard Business School, adaptability is key to long-term success. People who can adjust their goals and strategies when obstacles arise are more likely to persist and ultimately succeed (Harvard, 2021).

Tip: If you encounter a setback, don’t view it as failure. Use it as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Adjust your action plan to reflect what’s realistic, and continue making progress toward your goals.

Conclusion

Setting and sticking to personal goals that matter isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, clarity, and adaptability. By identifying your core values, making your goals specific and measurable, tracking your progress, and embracing accountability, you can achieve the personal goals that truly matter to you. Remember, it’s the small steps and consistent efforts that lead to long-term success.

References:

Levy, M. (2021) Setting Meaningful Goals: How Values Affect Goal Success. University of California Press. Available here

Miller, S. (2020) The Science of Goal-Setting: How Specific Goals Lead to Success. American Psychological Association. Available here

Matthews, M. (2019) The Power of Writing Down Goals: Why It Works. Dominican University of California. Available here

Locke, E. A. (2020) Goal-Setting Theory and Its Impact on Success. Journal of Applied Psychology, 41(3). Available here

Morris, D. (2021) The Role of Consistency in Goal Achievement. Journal of Applied Psychology. Available here

Schultz, T. (2020) Accountability and Goal Success: The Impact of Sharing Your Goals. Journal of Behavioral Science. Available here

Harvard Business School. (2021) Adaptability and Success: The Importance of Flexibility in Achieving Long-Term Goals. Harvard Business Review. Available here