A few weeks ago, you set a goal for yourself. Maybe you wanted to get back in shape, save more money, or finally start that big creative project you’ve been dreaming about.
At first, everything felt exciting! You made progress, and success seemed just around the corner. But then… life happened. Maybe you lost motivation, skipped a day (or two), or got sidetracked by other responsibilities. Suddenly, your goal felt distant, and picking it back up seemed almost impossible.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Staying focused on goals is a struggle for just about everyone. The good news? With the right mindset and strategies, you can stick to your goals and see them through.
Achieving Your Goals (One Bite at a Time)
There’s an old parable that goes like this:
A wise man once asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer: “One bite at a time.”
Obviously, we don’t recommend eating elephants (they’re endangered and also, why would you?). But the principle stands. Big, overwhelming goals become manageable when you break them into smaller, bite-sized steps.
If saving $1,000 feels impossible, start with $100. If $100 feels too big, start with $10. And if $10 feels out of reach, start with a single dollar—or even a penny.
Small steps might feel insignificant, but they add up. And most importantly, they create momentum. Once you’re moving, it’s much easier to keep going.
Start Small or SMART
You’ve probably heard of the SMART goal framework. It’s a great and simple way to make sure your goals are set up for success:
Specific
Clearly define your goal and be specific.
Measurable
Make sure you can track your progress. Keeping a journal or planner will help immensely with this.
Attainable
Keep it realistic. Saying you will go to the gym 365 days a year and thinking you will never get sick, have work, or encounter closures is not realistic. Maybe start with an extra walk on a hiking trail or going out on a lake instead of the gym. Staying active without rigid constraints can give you more flexibility.
Relevant
Align your goal with your values. Think about why you are doing this and how it can improve your life. And yes, fun is an acceptable answer!
Timely
Set a deadline. Decide with specificity when you are going to start and what your time frame looks like. If working out 30 days in a row is your goal but you currently only go three days a week, set a date where you will add one day so you can keep working toward incremental progress.
Getting started
This begins with clarity and honesty. First, decide on your goal, whether it’s academic, physical, work-related, or financial. You need to be clear about what you’re working towards. Next, identify your strengths and weaknesses. Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay! Being honest about where you excel and where you struggle helps you create a better plan. Finally, ask for help. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or a friend who can keep you accountable, having support makes all the difference. And if things feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists, for example, can guide you through mental blocks or patterns that might be holding you back.
These goals also need to be something you can achieve, and pertain to your life. Even if it’s something as big as changing careers, that takes time, research, and sometimes school. It won’t happen just because we made a goal. Start by taking a class on the subject, especially if you work full-time. Balancing full-time school and work can be too much, so smaller steps are key.
FUN Goals
Just like SMART goals, FUN goals help to keep your journey lighthearted and sustainable:
Flexible
Life isn’t predictable, and your goals need to adjust with it. If you get sick or miss a day, it’s not a failure. It’s a natural part of the process, and often, it’s your body trying to tell you something. Give yourself grace and space to recover without guilt.
Uplifting
Goals should feel rewarding, not punishing. If you’re dreading every step, it’s time to reconnect with why you set this goal in the first place. Find small ways to make the journey enjoyable.
Numberless
Numbers can motivate, but they can also discourage. Instead of obsessing over this, focus on progress and effort. Celebrate growth, no matter how small, and remember that every step forward counts. “One bite at a time!”
FUN goals remind you that while discipline is important, joy and flexibility are equally crucial for long-term success.
Celebrate Your Wins (And Keep It Fun)
Sometimes, we get so caught up in chasing the end goal that we forget to enjoy the journey. If your goal starts feeling like a chore, it’s time to step back. Celebrate small wins, because every milestone matters, no matter how tiny. Stay flexible and remember that life happens. Missing a day doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just pick it back up where you left off. When this happens, pull out your goals and read over why you started this in the first place. And most importantly, reconnect with the excitement you felt when you first set the goal. If your goal starts to feel like a punishment instead of something that improves your life, take a step back and adjust. The journey should feel fulfilling, not draining.
Sometimes, goals aren’t always a choice, and that’s okay. But when they become necessary, you may need help achieving them—whether you’re a college student juggling school, finances, and social obligations, or a parent balancing a home, career, kids, and your own health. Getting help is always the right move and luckily you never have to do it alone.
Getting Help When You Need It
At Evolve Counseling Services, Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, specialize in helping clients overcome mental roadblocks and build lasting habits.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just need someone to guide you through the goal-setting process, professional support can make all the difference.
With over a decade of experience each, Lindsey and Ben create a supportive, approachable environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.Their down-to-earth, modern approach ensures therapy is both effective and accessible, making it easier for clients to thrive in their busy lives.
Don’t let your goals fade away. Reach out today and start building a path toward success.
