Building a Plan You’ll Actually Stick To
Dec 16, 2024
Setting goals is exciting, but let’s be real: the harder part is sticking to them. How many times have you started the year full of enthusiasm, only to find your goals gathering dust, and even forgotten, by March? It happens to the best of us but it doesn’t have to.
The key to sticking with your goals isn’t willpower; it’s building a plan that works with your habits, mindset, and life. So how do you do that?
Here’s how to create a goal plan you’ll actually follow through on in 2025.
Break It Down
Big goals can feel overwhelming, which is why breaking them into smaller, actionable steps is so important. Think of each step as a milestone on your journey. For example:
- Big Goal: Increase revenue by 20%.
- Steps: Identify ideal clients, create a marketing strategy to attract and retain them, and track progress regularly.
Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them feel more achievable, gives you a clear starting point, and gives us a dopamine hit when we tick off each step. Plus, it’s much easier to take action when you know what to do next.
Time-Block Your Priorities
It’s one thing to set a goal but then you have to make time for it and this is the part that can often get overlooked. Time-blocking ensures your priorities don’t get lost in the daily grind.
- Review your weekly schedule and task list.
- Schedule specific blocks of time for tasks that will get you closer to your goals.
- Treat this weekly review, and the time-blocked tasks, as non-negotiable appointments.
For example, if one of your goals is to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your business, dedicate two hours every Wednesday morning to documenting and refining those processes. Treat that time as a priority, just like you would a critical client deadline.
Build in Accountability
It’s just too easy to renege on yourself when there is no one to hold you accountable. Accountability is huge when it comes to sticking to your goals.
- Share Your Goals: Tell a friend, mentor, or coach what you’re working on and what you aim to achieve. Knowing someone else is aware of your goals can motivate you to stay on track.
- Join a Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also working toward similar goals. Their progress can inspire and encourage you.
- Set Checkpoints: Schedule regular check-ins to review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Celebrate Progress (Not Just the End Result)
When we focus solely on the end game it can sometimes feel discouraging, especially when progress feels slow and the goal is still so far away.
But when we celebrate each baby step, no matter how small, we are more inclined to feel motivated to keep going
Did you complete your first draft of your SOPs? Celebrate! Did you set aside time to review your processes in amongst your client deadlines? That’s worth celebrating too.
Recognising these achievements, no matter how small they may seem, helps you stay motivated and reinforces positive habits. Progress is built step by step, and every win moves you closer to your bigger goals.
Prepare for Obstacles
Life happens. Unexpected events happen all the time and it can sometimes feel like life is trying to actively derail you.
But sh*t happens to everyone from time to time and it doesn’t mean that you should chuck in your goals. One of the questions that I get my clients to answer each month is, “What potential roadblocks are there to achieving my goals this month?”
By anticipating potential roadblocks we can also think about potential solutions. For example:
- Roadblock: Lack of time.
Solution: Delegate tasks or defer or delete non-essential tasks or commitments.
- Roadblock: Lack of energy.
Solution: Prioritise rest and recovery by scheduling downtime, ensuring you get enough sleep, and incorporating energy-boosting habits like regular exercise and balanced nutrition.
Having a plan for obstacles ensures that you can pivot without losing momentum.
Stay Flexible
A plan that is rigid and inflexible can be just as unhelpful as no plan at all. Like I mentioned above, life is unpredictable, and sometimes your goals need to evolve.
Stay open to making adjustments but keep your end vision in mind. Flexibility isn’t failure - it’s smart planning.
The Bottom Line
The best goals are ones that you are able to see through to completion. By breaking goals into steps, blocking time for priorities, building accountability, and staying flexible, you’ll set yourself up for a year of focused progress and meaningful achievements.
So, what’s your first step? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your 2025 goals come to life.