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Hello there,
As we jump into 2025, I want to talk about something that’s often on our minds at this time of year—setting goals that actually stick. We’ve all made those New Year’s resolutions, right? But how often do they fizzle out by February? Let’s talk about how to set goals that really work, and more importantly, how to follow through on them.
In my experience, one of the hardest parts of goal-setting is maintaining the momentum once the initial excitement wears off. It’s easy to get motivated in the beginning, but the true challenge lies in staying committed when things get tough or when you face unexpected obstacles. I’ve found that having a clear plan in place is key to overcoming these hurdles. It’s not just about setting a goal; it’s about creating systems that hold you accountable, keep you focused, and help you stay on track even when life gets in the way.
When it comes to making sure your goals stick, it's about more than just willpower. It’s about strategy, commitment, and setting yourself up for success. A solid plan breaks down your goal into manageable steps, gives you clear milestones to track, and creates checkpoints for reflection so you can adjust if needed. So let’s dive in and turn those goals into something you can look back on with pride.
When we talk about setting goals that stick, we can’t leave out Muhammad Ali. He didn’t just set lofty goals—he backed them up with relentless determination and a laser-sharp focus on his vision. Ali wasn’t just a boxer; he was a master of setting goals and making sure they stuck, no matter the obstacles that came his way.
❌ Facing critics and doubters who questioned his potential
❌ Overcoming setbacks in his career, including suspension from boxing
❌ The physical and mental toll of being at the top of his game
But what made Ali exceptional wasn’t just his skill in the ring. He was a champion of mental toughness and goal-setting, constantly striving to push past limitations.
✅ Set Bold, Clear Goals​
Ali didn’t just want to be a champion. He said it outright: “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” His belief in his goals wasn’t just confidence; it was a commitment to achieving the impossible.
✅ Relentless Training and Practice​
His secret wasn’t in luck; it was in the hours of training he put in behind the scenes. He set specific goals for his training and worked at them tirelessly, breaking down every aspect of his fight strategy, technique, and conditioning.
✅ Mental Toughness and Belief​
Ali understood the power of visualisation. Before every fight, he mentally rehearsed every move, which helped him focus and stay calm, even when the pressure was on.
✅ Resilience​
When things got tough, Ali didn’t abandon his goals. After being banned from boxing, he returned stronger, proving that persistence was a key ingredient in making goals stick.
By breaking down his lofty ambitions into manageable goals and sticking to his training regimen, Ali turned his dream into reality. He didn’t just aim for success—he had a plan for achieving it, one step at a time.
I know setting goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve got big ambitions. But trust me, breaking them down into manageable pieces is the key to staying on track without burning out. The 5-4-3-2-1 Method is something I’ve used, and it really works. It’s simple, actionable, and flexible enough to adapt as life throws curveballs. Let me walk you through it.
Okay, start by thinking big - something like, “Where do I want to be in five years?” Don’t worry about all the steps yet. Just focus on painting a clear picture of what success looks like for you. This is your “why,” the reason you’re putting in the effort.
Why it’s important:​
‍When you have a long-term vision, it’s easier to filter out distractions and stay focused. You’ll know what to say “yes” to and what doesn’t align.
‍Ask yourself:
Example:
Now, break your vision into four main areas of your life. Think of these as the foundation holding everything up. These pillars help you focus on balance so you’re not putting all your energy into one thing and neglecting others.
Why it’s important:​
‍Life isn’t just about one goal. Success feels more meaningful when it touches different parts of your life such as health, relationships, career, personal growth, finances, or hobbies.
Examples:
Here’s where it starts getting specific. For each pillar, set three goals you want to achieve over the next year or two. These should feel challenging but doable—like they’ll stretch you but not overwhelm you.
Why it’s important:​
‍Breaking things down into smaller goals keeps the pressure off and helps you see progress faster. Plus, when you focus on a few things, you’re more likely to follow through.
Examples for the Health Pillar:
Big goals can feel heavy, so let’s break them into bite-sized chunks. For each goal, set two milestones you can achieve over the next month or two. These are like checkpoints to keep you on track.
Why it’s important:​
‍Celebrating small wins gives you momentum. When you see progress, even if it’s tiny, it keeps you motivated to keep going.
Example Milestones for “Run a 5K”:
Pro Tip:
Write these milestones down somewhere visible. When you see them every day, you’re more likely to stay committed.
This is the secret sauce - tiny, consistent actions every day. It’s not about doing something huge; it’s about showing up for your goals, even if it’s just a 5-minute task.
Why it’s important:​
‍Consistency beats intensity every time. When you build a habit of working toward your goals daily, they feel less daunting, and you’re more likely to stick with them.
Examples:
Pro Tip:
Use the “Two-Minute Rule.” If it takes less than two minutes to start, do it now. Often, that small start turns into a full task.
This book is perfect if you're looking to create systems and habits that align with your goals. Clear breaks down the science of habit formation and provides actionable strategies to make small changes that lead to big results.
Focus on Small Wins​
Learn how tiny changes, done consistently, compound into remarkable transformations.
​
​Build Systems, Not Just Goals​
Clear emphasises creating systems that make success inevitable, perfect for sticking to your plans.
​
​Practical and Relatable​
Real-life examples and easy-to-follow advice make this a must-read for anyone serious about self-improvement.
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
To make sure your goals actually stick, it all comes down to strategy, commitment, and keeping your eye on the bigger picture. The new year is the perfect time to break down your goals into smaller, doable steps. Set those bold goals, stay focused, and work hard, but also stay flexible as things unfold. This year isn’t about just dreaming big—it’s about making a plan and seeing it through. You've got this!
Writer, The Success Method
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