How to Set Goals and Achieve Them

Let’s be honest—setting goals is easy, but achieving them? That’s where things get tricky. You start off motivated, full of excitement, maybe even armed with a shiny new planner. But then life happens. Work piles up, family responsibilities take over, and suddenly, that goal you were so excited about feels impossible to keep up with. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone.

The problem isn’t that you’re not capable or disciplined enough—it’s that most goal-setting methods set you up for burnout, not success. How to set goals and achieve them isn’t just about willpower—it’s about having a system that works for you.

That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. This guide will show you how to create meaningful, achievable goals (without the stress), build momentum, and actually follow through—even when life gets busy.

Find Your Why: How to Set Goals That Truly Matter

Before you map out action steps or set deadlines, ask yourself: Why does this goal matter?

Too often, people set goals based on what they think they should do—lose weight, save money, start a side hustle. But if a goal isn’t connected to something meaningful, motivation fades fast.

Your “why” is your fuel. It’s what keeps you going when things get hard or distractions pull you off track. The clearer your reason, the stronger your commitment.

Dig Deeper with The 5 Whys

A surface-level reason isn’t enough to sustain long-term effort. The 5 Whys method helps you uncover what’s really driving you.

Here’s an example—these are my actual Whys for starting my blog

Goal: “I want to start a blog.”

1. Why? → Because I want a platform to promote my EFT practice.
2. Why? → Because I I want something that is far removed from my day job to push me outside my comfort zone.
3. Why? → Because I want a creative outlet.
4. Why? → Because I want to return to writing—I loved it so much as a child, and I miss it.
5. Why? → Because I want to write about something I’m truly passionate about: personal development and growth.

Now, this goal isn’t just about building a blog. It’s about creating space for creativity, purpose, and self-expression. It’s about reconnecting with something that’s always been a part of me and using it to inspire others and maybe even build a new path forward.

When your goal is rooted in something that meaningful, you’re far more likely to stick with it—even when things get tough.

Make It Personal

If your goal doesn’t light a fire inside you, it’s not the right goal. Adjust it until it feels yours, not something you think you “should” do.

With a clear “why,” the next step is turning that goal into something achievable.

How to Use SMART Goals to Actually Follow Through

Now that you know why your goal matters, it’s time to make it crystal clear.

Vague goals lead to vague results. Saying, “I want to start a blog” is great, but what does that actually mean? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?

That’s where the SMART method comes in.

Turn Your Goal Into a SMART Goal

SMART goals are:

• Specific – What exactly do you want to achieve?
• Measurable – How will you track progress?
• Achievable – Is this realistic for you right now?
• Relevant – Does this align with your deeper why?
• Time-bound – When will you complete this by?

Let’s take a vague goal and make it SMART:

🚫 “I want to start a blog.” → Too broad. No clear direction.

✅ “I will launch my personal development blog in the next 30 days by writing and publishing my first three blog posts and setting up a simple website using WordPress.” → Now it’s clear, trackable, and actionable.

Action Step:

Now let’s break that goal down into small steps so it feels manageable, not overwhelming.

How to Break Down a Goal Into Actionable Steps

When I first set the goal to start a blog, it felt exciting—but also completely overwhelming. Where was I supposed to start? Should I build a website? Write blog posts? Try networking? Take a course? The sheer size of the goal left me stuck.

The problem wasn’t motivation. It was that my brain saw the goal as too big, and when something feels too big, it’s easy to procrastinate. The solution? Break it down.

How I Started Growing My Blog—One Small Step at a Time

At first, my goal looked like this:
🚫 “Start a blog.” → Way too broad. No clear starting point.

So I zoomed in on one small action I could take. I decided to start by writing one blog post. Just one.

✅ “This week, I will write a blog post on a Beginners Guide to EFT.”

That felt doable. And once I hit publish, I gained momentum. The next week, I wrote another. Then another. Slowly, my blog grew, and so did my confidence. What once felt overwhelming became a natural part of my routine.

The 2-Minute Rule Saved Me From Overthinking

Even with a clear plan, I still had moments of resistance. That’s when I used the 2-Minute Rule—if a task felt overwhelming, I committed to just two minutes of it.

Instead of “Write a full blog post”, I told myself, “Write the first sentence.” Instead of “Outline an entire content plan”, I started with “Brainstorm three topic ideas.”

Nine times out of ten, I kept going. Getting started was the hardest part—after that, momentum took over.

Now that you have momentum, let’s talk about the systems that will keep you on track. 

Why a Simple System Helps You Reach Your Goals (Even Without Motivation)

Setting a goal is one thing. Sticking with it is another.

When I decided to grow my EFT practice through my blog, I thought motivation would be enough. I’d feel inspired, sit down to write, and the words would flow. Except… that’s not what happened. Some days, I was too busy. Other days, I second-guessed myself. Without a system in place, my progress was inconsistent.

That’s when I realized: Goals don’t create success—systems do.

Why Systems Matter More Than Motivation

Motivation is unreliable. Some days you’ll have it, some days you won’t. A system keeps you moving forward no matter what.

For my blog, I set up a simple system:

• A writing schedule – I committed to writing every Saturday and editing every Sunday.
• A running list of blog topics – So I never sat down wondering what to write about.
• A content calendar – To track my progress and stay accountable.

This took the guesswork out of the process. I didn’t have to feel motivated—I just had to follow the plan.

Build a System That Works for You

Your system should make progress easier, not harder. A few ideas:

• Schedule non-negotiable time for your goal (put it in your calendar like an appointment).
• Use a simple tracking method (a checklist, journal, or planner. You can download my habit builder tracker below.)
• Create a routine around your goal so it becomes automatic.

Small habits done consistently will take you further than bursts of motivation ever will.

With a system in place, you’re set up for success. Now, let’s tackle the mindset blocks that might try to slow you down. 

How to Silence Self-Doubt and Keep Going

Even with the best plan in place, there’s one thing that can still throw you off track—your own mind.

I’ve been there. When I started my blog, I wasn’t just battling logistics—I was battling self-doubt. What if no one reads my blog? What if I’m not good enough? What if I put in all this effort and fail?

And as someone who used to be a people pleaser (still am at times) this went even deeper.
What if people think I’m being selfish for putting this out there? What if I disappoint someone? What if I take up space and it makes others uncomfortable?

Fear is sneaky. It sounds logical. It makes you hesitate, procrastinate, and second-guess yourself. But that fear doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. And that’s exactly where growth happens.

Common Mindset Blocks (And How to Handle Them)

• Fear of failure – What if you put in all this effort and it doesn’t work? Flip the question: What if it does? Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process.
• Perfectionism – If you wait for your work to be perfect, you’ll never take action. Progress beats perfection every time.
• Imposter syndrome – You might think, Who am I to do this? But real experts don’t wait until they feel “ready”—they just start. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around.
• Fear of disapproval – the biggest fear for people pleasers. What if others don’t get it, or judge me for putting myself out there? Your life’s direction doesn’t need to make sense to everyone else. You’re allowed to pursue what lights you up—even if it ruffles a few feathers.

Use EFT to Clear Fear and Doubt

Since EFT is my thing, I use it whenever resistance shows up. If fear of failure or self-doubt is creeping in, try tapping with me.

In this short video—EFT Tapping for Fear of Failure and Self-Doubt—we’ll work through the thoughts that keep you stuck and start creating space for confidence and movement. It’s simple, calming, and you can follow along at your own pace.

A few minutes of tapping can calm your nervous system and help you move past fear instead of letting it control you.

Doubt will always show up—but it doesn’t have to stop you. Now, let’s make sure you track your progress and celebrate your wins along the way.

Why Tracking Goals Keeps You Motivated

Making progress on a goal isn’t just about taking action—it’s about recognizing that action so you stay motivated.

When I first started my blog, I focused so much on how far I had to go that I barely acknowledged what I had already done. I’d write a blog post and immediately think, Okay, what’s next? instead of celebrating the fact that I was showing up and making progress.

That mindset made everything feel like an uphill battle. Once I started tracking my wins, no matter how small, everything shifted.

Why Tracking Your Progress Matters

A goal without tracking is like driving without a map. You might be moving, but you won’t know if you’re heading in the right direction. Seeing progress in real time keeps you motivated, even when the finish line feels far away.

Some simple ways to track:

• A journal – Write down daily or weekly progress, even small wins.
• A checklist – Cross off completed tasks to see how far you’ve come.
• A progress board – Use a whiteboard or sticky notes to visually track steps toward your goal.

Small wins add up. A single blog post turns into a full content library. One discovery call turns into a growing client base. Tracking lets you see that progress in action.

Celebrate Along the Way

Most people wait until they reach a big milestone to celebrate, but that’s a mistake. Success isn’t just the final result—it’s every step you take toward it.

Celebration doesn’t have to be big. A simple “I did it” moment, a walk outside, or treating yourself to a break can reinforce progress. The more you acknowledge what’s working, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going.

Now, let’s talk about what to do when life happens and your plans need to shift.

Pivot When Necessary – Adjust, Don’t Quit

No matter how solid your plan is, life will throw curveballs. Unexpected responsibilities pop up. Motivation dips. Things don’t always go as expected. That doesn’t mean your goal is out of reach—it just means it’s time to adjust.

When I started my blog, I had a plan: write a blog post every week, stay consistent, and build momentum. But some weeks, life got busy. I’d miss a writing session, and suddenly, I felt behind. My first instinct? Maybe I’m not cut out for this. But quitting wasn’t the answer—adjusting was.

How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot

If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:

• Am I making progress, even if it’s slower than expected? → If yes, keep going. Progress is progress.
• Is my current approach working, or do I need a new strategy? → If something isn’t bringing results, tweak it instead of abandoning the goal.
• Am I still excited about my goal? → If not, maybe it needs to be refined to better align with what you truly want.

Sometimes, a small shift is all you need. Maybe a goal needs more time, a different approach, or a new deadline. That’s not failure—it’s flexibility.

Adjusting Without Losing Momentum

If you’re overwhelmed, break it down even smaller. Instead of writing a full blog post, outline just the key points. Instead of an hour of work, do 15 minutes.
If you’re not seeing results, change your approach. If one strategy isn’t working, try another before giving up completely.
If your goal no longer feels right, tweak it. You’re allowed to refine your goals as you grow.

Now, let’s wrap this up and make sure you leave feeling ready to take action.

You’re Closer Than You Think

Setting a goal is one thing. Sticking with it, adjusting when needed, and actually achieving it? That’s where the real growth happens.

If you’ve made it this far, you already have everything you need:

• A clear why that keeps you motivated.
• A SMART goal that gives you direction.
• A plan to break it down into small, manageable steps.
• Systems to stay consistent, even on tough days.
• The mindset tools to push past fear and doubt.
• A way to track progress and adjust when necessary.

Now, it’s time to take action. Not next week. Not when life slows down. Today.

Start small. Start messy. Just start. The sooner you take that first step, the sooner you’ll build momentum. And before you know it, you’ll be looking back at a goal you once dreamed about—now fully achieved.

So, what’s the first step you’re taking today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!