Sylvia
- Oct 2, 2023
- 10 min read

Goal Getter: Simple Hacks For People Who Hate Goal Setting

Living life without goals is like driving around without any sense of direction, leaving you more likely to feel lost and frustrated.

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about the life you want to live but struggle to turn those dreams into reality? Do you set goals that fail faster than a New Year's resolution? If you ever feel like you're just going through the motions, day after day, not really living life to the fullest, you're not alone! Thankfully, there is a simple solution to changing that: goal setting.

Setting goals is not just about achieving things, it's also about growth. When you set goals, it forces you to think about what you want out of life. You are forced to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone and in the process you change and grow.

One of the most powerful things you can do to change your life is to set goals, whether you're looking to improve your career, relationships, health, or any other area of your life. Goal setting gives you something to strive for and gives you a reason to get up in the morning and work hard. And when you succeed at your goals, you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that can’t be beat. If you're ready to start living your life to the fullest, then it's time to start goal-setting and unleash your inner goal-getter!

Glance Ahead

1. The Power of Goals: Why They Matter

2. Setting Goals That Actually Stick

- Create Your Roadmap

- Find Your "Why"

- Take Baby Steps

- Turn Setbacks Into Stepping Stones

- Arm Yourself With Knowledge

- Express Gratitude

- Prioritize Self-Car

The Power of Goals: Why They Matter

Before we jump into the ins and outs of goal-setting, let's take a minute to understand why goals are so important. I once found myself at a crossroads between my career and personal life. Although my job paid the bills, I felt unfulfilled and lost. Every day felt like a never-ending drive down an empty highway. I longed for something more meaningful in my life. It was then that I realized the importance of having goals to give me a sense of direction and purpose. Starting with small goals like eating healthy and going back to school, I gradually gained confidence and motivation. Starting with these small realistic goals helped me build momentum towards bigger goals. Now, I have big aspirations like traveling the world, starting a business, and making a difference. I know that achieving these goals won't be easy, but I am determined to make them a reality.

Imagine you're planning a long distance road trip. Would you just hop in your car and start driving aimlessly? Probably not. You'd plan your route, set stops along the way, and have a clear destination in mind. Well, life is like a road trip, and goals are like a GPS, guiding you towards your destination.

Living life without goals is like driving around without any sense of direction, leaving you more likely to feel lost and frustrated. But living life with goals gives you a sense of direction, meaning, and purpose and helps you stay on track even when things get tough. Achieving goals boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem, and proves that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. However, it takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to make your goals a reality. This is where goal-getting comes in. It may seem daunting, but the feeling of accomplishment you get once you reach your goals is priceless. So why not put in the work now?

What's your biggest goal roadblock?

No Time: I can barely find time to breathe!
No Motivation: Trying is hard, what’s the point?
No Resources: I'm too broke to chase my dreams.
Procrastination: I'll do it tomorrow...or next week 😉

Setting Goals That Actually Stick

A goal is a powerful tool, but it isn't magic. You can't just wish for something and wait for it to happen. You have to put in the work to make it a reality. Every goal is different and some are more likely to stick than others.

So how do you set goals that will actually stick? Here are a few tips:

1. Create Your Roadmap

When creating your roadmap, it's important to be clear about your goals. Start by defining your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Be as specific as possible. Once you know what you want to achieve, set a deadline. When do you want to achieve it? Now think about the specific things you need to do to achieve your goals? How will you track your progress along the way?

Let's say you want to lose weight. Instead of vague statements like "I want to be healthier," instead say "I want to lose 20 pounds within the next six months." Your roadmap may start with tracking your current weight, setting an exercise and diet plan, then tracking your progress regularly.

When you define your goals in this way, you’ll find it easier to track progress and stay motivated. When you are ready, take a moment to write down three clear goals that you want to achieve. Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals, and nothing can stop you from reaching your full potential.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

2. Find Your 'Why’

We often set goals without fully understanding why we want them. We might want to lose weight, get a promotion, or start our own business. But if we don't know the root cause of why we want these things, it can be difficult to stay motivated and overcome obstacles. So, let's start by digging deep into your "why."

One way to get to the root of your goals is by using the 5 Whys method, a technique developed by Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Toyota Motors, in the early 1900s. To use the 5 Whys method, start by identifying your goal, then ask yourself “why” you want to achieve it. Once you answer, ask yourself “why” again. Continue this process five times in a row to get to the root motivation behind your goal.

For instance, I have a goal of one day having my own non-profit business. In reflecting on my “why” using the 5 Whys method this is what I found:

In reflecting on my “why” I found that starting my own non-profit was not my core goal. My core motivation is to make a positive difference in the world by helping others overcome life’s obstacles and live better, happier lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Digging into my "why" opened me up to new ideas and possibilities. I came to the realization that I could accomplish the core of my goal (helping others) in a number of ways (like providing helpful resources here on The Medley). While I’d love to establish a non-profit one day, I found that I don’t have to limit myself to having my own business to achieve my goal.

The important thing is to find your "why" then let that be your guide. When you know your "why," you'll be more motivated to take action. Try it now by downloading our free ‘5 Whys’ goal worksheet for more examples and to uncover the motivation behind your goals!

FREE DOWNLOAD: Uncover Your Motivation - The 5 Whys Goal Assessment Worksheet

3. Take Baby Steps

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of setting big goals. But if you're not careful, you can set yourself up for failure. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. If you want to achieve your goals, it's important to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make them seem less overwhelming and more realistic.

If your goal is to write a book, you could start with writing 500 words a day, then increase it by 100 words each week. If you want to learn a new language, start with 5-10 minutes of daily practice and gradually increase the time as you progress. If you're aiming for a healthier lifestyle, start with a 10-minute walk each day, and gradually add more exercise and healthy eating habits to your routine.

Every small step will get you closer to your ultimate goal. Don't try to do too much too soon, or you'll be more likely to give up.

4. Turn Setbacks Into Stepping Stones

As you work towards your goals, setbacks and challenges are inevitable. They're like uninvited guests at a party, showing up unexpectedly and disrupting your plans. But don't let them discourage you. Instead, see them as chances to learn and keep going. Reaching your goals is hard work, but remember that obstacles are only temporary. They can slow you down, but they won't stop you. Like a long road trip, expect to run into unexpected detours, and bumps in the road.

Here are a few common setbacks and challenges that goal-getters face:

Procrastination. This is one of the biggest challenges for goal-getters. It's easy to put things off until tomorrow, but tomorrow has a nasty habit of turning into next week, next month, and even next year. This can lead to missed deadlines, missed opportunities, and lost motivation. When you procrastinate, don't beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself what's causing the resistance. Procrastination can be a good thing sometimes. When you procrastinate, it's a sign that your goal may not be clear or exciting enough. When procrastination creeps in, take time to reevaluate and come up with a better plan that you’re excited about. To avoid procrastination, try working on a task for a set amount of time, then reward yourself with a break. For example, if you’re studying for a test, you could set a timer for 30 minutes and study for that amount of time, then take a short break to stretch, walk around, or grab a snack before getting back to it.

Lack Of Motivation. Sometimes it can be tough to stay motivated, especially when things get tough. But it's important to remember why you set your goals in the first place. Keep your motivation going by visualizing your goals, celebrating your successes, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

Comparison To Others. It's easy to feel discouraged when we compare ourselves to others, especially when it comes to our progress. When we see someone else succeeding more quickly or easier than we have, we may begin to feel we are not good enough. It is easy to feel inadequate when we see people on social media who seem to be constantly achieving great things, but it is important to remember that social media is not real life. People often only share the highlights of their lives, not their setbacks and challenges. Everyone is on their own journey. We all have different starting points, experiences, and challenges. What may seem easy for one person may be difficult for another. Comparing ourselves to others will only make us feel worse about ourselves and make it harder to achieve our own goals. Everyone feels like they're not good enough sometimes. The important thing is to not let those feelings hold you back.

Fear Of Failure And Self-Doubt. The fear of failure can paralyze us and prevent us from taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zone. It's important to remember that failure isn't the end of the world. We all experience failure at some point. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep going. That nagging voice in your head? It's not your friend. When self-doubt sets in, remind yourself of your accomplishments and strengths. Make a list of positive affirmations to counteract self-doubt and repeat them daily to boost your confidence.

Every setback is a lesson in disguise, teaching you what works and what doesn't. Life is unpredictable, and so are your goals. Learn how to adjust and adapt your goals as circumstances change.

5. Arm Yourself With Knowledge

Knowledge is power. When you know more about what your goal requires, like the skills you need and the challenges you might encounter, you're better prepared to tackle it. Learning will help you gain the skills you need to achieve your goal. For example, if you want to get a promotion at work, you may need to learn the skills required for the position by taking classes, reading books, taking on new challenges, or volunteering for projects that will give you the experience you need.

Learning doesn’t necessarily mean going back to school and racking up student loan debt. There are many resources available to help you learn, such as free and low-cost courses on platforms like Udemy, Google, HubSpot, LinkedIn Learning, and YouTube. Building skills takes time and effort, just like leveling up in a video game. But the more you practice, the better you will become. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to achieve your goals. So don't be afraid to learn, grow, and make mistakes.

6. Express Gratitude

Gratitude helps you shift from a scarcity mentality to an abundance mentality. When you focus on what you have, you are more likely to feel optimistic and open to possibilities. This positive mindset is essential for setting and achieving goals. Gratitude makes you feel good, which can help you stay motivated. When things don't go as planned, gratitude can help you bounce back and stay focused on your goals. Additionally, gratitude can help you manage stress and strengthen your relationships. To practice gratitude, take some time each day to reflect on your journey and be grateful for your progress. You can do this by keeping a gratitude journal, where you reflect on your achievements, setbacks, and lessons learned. By practicing gratitude, you'll stay positive, strong, and focused on your path to achieving your goals.

7. Prioritize Self-Care

In the pursuit of our goals , it's easy to forget the most critical component of success – self-care. In the past, I ignored my own needs while focusing on my goals. I worked long hours, skipped meals, and rarely slept. I was tired and stressed all the time, and wasn’t as productive as I should've been. Eventually I started to experience health issues and realized I needed to make a change. I began eating healthier, getting more sleep, taking frequent breaks at work, and making time for self-care, even if it was for just a few minutes each day.

Self-care is the foundation of goal setting. Consider this: a car needs regular oil changes, fuel, and regular maintenance to perform at its best. Similarly, self-care provides the necessary fuel for our personal and professional growth. When we take care of ourselves, we have more energy, focus, and motivation to work towards our goals.

There are many different ways to practice self-care, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some common self-care activities include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, spending time outside, and doing activities that you enjoy. It is important to find a balance between self-care and goal setting. You don't want to neglect your goals, but you also don't want to burn yourself out. It is important to make time for both self-care and goal setting in order to be successful. Just as you meticulously plan your steps toward your goals, set specific time and activities for self-care to recharge your mental batteries.

To make sure you prioritize self-care, take a self-care inventory. This means making a list of activities that replenish your energy and happiness. You can read a book, take a bath or shower, spend quality time with family and friends, get enough sleep, eat healthy, say “no” and set boundaries with others, go for a walk, listen to music, do something creative, or just do nothing at all. These are all forms of self-care. Prioritize yourself by including at least one of these activities in your daily and weekly routines. Not sure where to start? Try playing The Medley's self-care bingo game to see how easy it is to incorporate self-care into your daily life.

Becoming a goal-getter requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to adapt. This means setting aside time each day to work towards your goals, even when you don't feel like it, not giving up when things get tough, and being willing to change your plans if things don't go according to your expectations. Setting and achieving goals is a continuous journey, not a final destination. There will be ups and downs along the way, but as long as you keep going, you will eventually reach your goals. The path to personal growth is an ongoing adventure. Every step you take brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself. So, get started, set your goals, and let the journey begin!

Comment Below: What's one goal you've been putting off? What's stopping you?