For years, I was a professional goal-setter and a chronic goal-abandoner. Every January, I’d write out big, ambitious plans. I’d color-code the calendar, buy a fresh planner, and feel that initial rush of motivation.

But a few weeks later… I’d fall off. I’d miss a day. Then a week. And suddenly the goal felt like another thing I failed to follow through on.

I thought the problem was me. I wasn’t disciplined enough. I wasn’t consistent enough. Maybe I just didn’t have “what it takes.”

But here’s what I’ve learned:

It wasn’t a discipline issue. It was a strategy issue.

The way I was setting goals didn’t work for me. It was all pressure, no clarity. All hustle, no heart.

Once I shifted how I set goals—with purpose, flexibility, and real structure—everything changed. Here’s exactly how I do it now.

Start With Your Why

You cannot stay committed to a goal that doesn’t emotionally matter to you. Before I write what I want to accomplish, I ask myself why it matters. What’s the deeper reason this goal is important? How will my life feel different if I follow through? Who else will benefit when I step into this version of myself? For example, “Work out 3x a week” means nothing if it’s just to check a box. But when I connect it to feeling strong, energized, and confident for my coaching sessions, it carries real weight. If your goal doesn’t move you emotionally, it won’t move you practically.

Break It Down Into Bite-Sized Action

Big goals are exciting—but they’re also overwhelming. That’s why most people stop. So instead of just writing, “Launch my coaching business,” I break that down into monthly, weekly, and even daily action steps. For example:

Each part feels doable—and I can track my momentum as I go. Pro tip: Use a goal tracking system like a printable tracker, app, or weekly check-in journal.

Schedule Weekly Goal Check-Ins

One of the biggest reasons goals fail is that we set them and forget them. I now schedule a 15–20 minute check-in every Sunday. I call it my “weekly realignment.” During that time, I ask: What progress did I make this week? What got in the way? What needs to shift for the week ahead? Even if I missed the mark, this reflection time keeps me grounded and growing. It also prevents me from spiraling into shame or quitting altogether.

Build Flexibility Into the Plan

Most goal-setting advice is rigid: set a SMART goal, stay on track, don’t miss a day. But I believe that goals should support your life—not control it. That means leaving room for:

Instead of “work out 5 days a week no matter what,” my goal might become: “Move my body in a way that feels good 3–5 days a week.” Same goal—less pressure—more grace. This keeps me from quitting when life doesn’t go as planned (which, let’s be honest, is often).

Track Progress—Not Perfection

When I started tracking my progress visually, it changed everything. I could see that I was showing up—even if it didn’t feel perfect. Whether it was a calendar, habit tracker, or journal entry, seeing that checkmark gave me a dopamine boost and reminded me: progress is happening. That’s why I created a simple Goal Tracker Template that I use weekly to stay accountable and aligned (scroll to the end of the post to download it).

Final Thoughts: Your Goals Aren’t Too Big—They’re Just Missing Structure

If you’ve ever thought: “I’m not consistent enough.” “I always give up halfway through.” “I never finish what I start.” Let me say this: You’re not the problem. The process is. When you set goals that align with your values, break them into small steps, and build in accountability and grace—you can follow through. And the confidence you gain will ripple into every area of your life.