Why Your Goals Fail (And What to Do Instead)
Feb 16, 2025Opening: The Frustration of Failed Goals
Have you ever set a goal with excitement, feeling motivated and determined, only to abandon it a few weeks later? You start off strong, but then life gets in the way. Maybe you lose motivation, fall behind, or get discouraged when you don’t see results fast enough.
And then comes the inner criticism:
💭 “Why can’t I stick to anything?”
💭 “Maybe I’m just not disciplined enough.”
💭 “I always fail at this.”
Let me stop you right there. The problem isn’t you—it’s the way you’re setting your goals.
The truth is, most goals fail because they aren’t designed for success. You don’t need more willpower or discipline—you just need a better system to turn your goals into reality.
The 3 Biggest Reasons Goals Fail
1️⃣ They’re Too Vague
Many people set goals like:
❌ “I want to lose weight.”
❌ “I want to save money.”
❌ “I want to be more productive.”
These sound great, but they don’t provide any direction. How much weight? How much money? What does be “more productive” actually look like? If you don’t define your goal clearly, how will you know when you’ve reached it?
2️⃣ They’re Unrealistic
If you haven’t exercised in years, a goal like “I’m going to work out every day” sets you up for failure. You might keep up for a few days, but as soon as you miss one workout, you’ll feel like you’ve failed.
Unrealistic goals lead to burnout, frustration, and ultimately giving up.
3️⃣ There’s No Action Plan
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
Let’s say your goal is “I want to save $5,000 this year.”
That’s a great target, but…
- How much do you need to save per month?
- Where will the money come from?
- What expenses will you cut to reach your goal?
Without an action plan, even the best intentions will fall apart.
The Solution: Set SMART Goals
To make sure your goals actually happen, use the SMART goal-setting framework:
✅S – Specific: Define exactly what you want. (“I want to save $5,000 in one year.”)
✅ M – Measurable: Set a way to track progress. (“I will save $417 per month.”)
✅ A – Achievable: Set a goal that stretches you—but is still possible. (“I will cut out dining out and put the savings into a separate account.”)
✅ R – Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your priorities. (“I want financial stability so I can travel more next year.”)
✅ T – Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. (“I will reach my goal by December 31st.”)
Now your goal isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan.
Key Takeaway: The Way You Set Goals Matters
The reason you’ve struggled with goals in the past isn’t because you’re not capable—it’s because the way you set goals wasn’t working for you. By using SMART goals, you create a clear roadmap to success.
Tired of setting goals that don’t stick? Download SMART Goals Workbook: Plan Your Path to Success and learn how to create goals that are clear, achievable, and designed for real progress.
