11 Simple Steps to Achieve More Goals in 2024

How will 2024 play out for you? Will it be a year of subpar results? Or will you push the bar and accomplish more than you thought possible? The choice is yours, so let’s make sure we’re utilizing easy steps to achieve more life goals!

In this post, we’ll walk through setting better goals, what to do when you have those goals clearly defined, and tips if you need to make adjustments.

It contains everything we need to show up as our best selves in 2024.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Walt Disney

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Contents

How to Set Better Goals

Good goal setting dramatically increases your success rate in all areas! So, let’s start there!

steps to achieve goals: make smart goals

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1. SMART GOALS

The acronym for SMART goals has been around forever because it’s effective. A SMART goal is simply a well-written goal with the following aspects clearly defined.

S: Specific

As you set your goal, be as specific as you can. Be sure to include what, when, where, and for how long to do your action. You may also ask yourself if anyone else will be involved to help you achieve this goal.

M: Measurable

“What gets measured gets managed.”
Peter Drucker

How will you determine if you meet your goal? Decide what metric you will use to accurately measure your progress. More on this later in the post!

A: Achievable

HOW will you make this goal achievable? Your goal should be big enough to stretch you, so don’t think too small here. This step focuses on discovering what you need to achieve your goal. Will you need to adjust your mindset or learn new skills? Research, and find out what will be required to succeed.

R: Relevant

The goal needs to be realistic and relevant to the bigger scope of your life. Does the goal fit with your overall mission and work? Check out the 5 Year Plan post to get crystal clear on what that is.

T: Time-Bound

Setting a target date will provide the urgency and motivation you need to work on your goal TODAY. But be wary of goals that are too far out. When we give ourselves 12 months to complete something, we often lose focus and forget about the goal. Make it a three-month goal instead, as suggested in the great book the 12 Week Year.

Need goal ideas and help? Check out these personal goals examples and gain powerful insights from goal achieving stats >>

2. TWO ADDITIONAL TIPS

If you want to achieve more big goals, keep these in mind as well…

Set Goals For YOU

Many of us spend too much time worrying about what others think. Let go of what others expect from you or what you “should” be doing. You’ll never follow through with a goal that you aren’t invested in. So, cross any goals off your list that may be based on the thoughts of others

Read: 45 Goals Examples for Your Family if you need some new ideas!

Know Your Why

The best goals are those that you are internally driven to go after. So, dig deep and ask yourself “why” three or four times with a specific goal. Why is it important for you to accomplish that goal. How will it make your life better? Be honest with yourself, and then bring it out later when motivation is low.

External motivation comes and goes, but if you understand what drives you, success is inevitable.

Before we move on, here’s a short video describing goal setting with the SMART goal concept. Then, read on for HOW to pursue your new goals!

Next Steps to Achieve Big Goals

Now that you have your list of exciting and measurable goals, it’s time to take action! Consider the next steps to achieve more goals!

3. FOCUS ON ONE GOAL AT A TIME

Most people fail here because multitasking does not work well with achieving. Create ONE main goal, a mission if you will. No matter what, this goal takes first priority. Schedule it before you do anything else! Then, use the rest of your time to work on your other important goals.

4. DEVELOP A PROCESS

Often, we want to reach a goal without a clear path to do so.

For example, I spent ten months wanting to lose weight. Once I finally committed and formulated a clear plan, it was ten times easier to lose my baby weight.

So, do your research, then design a simple process to get you there. Do you need to make 30 calls a day to expand your business? Or log in your food intake every day to lose that weight? Focus on the KEY daily habits that will help you move forward the most.

With time, evaluate if your process needs to be changed for better results.

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5. CONSISTENCY IS KEY

“Long term consistency trumps short term intensity.”
Bruce Lee

The most important step to achieve more of your goals is being consistent. Day in and day out. You’ve created that clear path above, now follow through for as long as it takes and your success is only a matter of time.

6. FAITH & EFFORT

In the fantastic book The Miracle Equation, the author explains his two essential steps to achieve big goals. First, we need unwavering faith that we can do it. Despite past failures, we MUST believe that we are capable and deserve the amazing results we want.

Second, every great result requires REAL effort. There are no exceptions. This may look like many different things, but we have to be willing to work for what we want.

Keep these two fundamentals in mind when working towards your goals. Wake up and remind yourself that you are committed to unwavering faith and extraordinary effort.

Related Post: Growth Mindset Quotes to Motivate

7. REVIEW YOUR GOALS OFTEN

Most people never realize their goals because they get shoved behind the mundane (or chaos) of their lives. But not you! Regularly reflect on your goals and keep them in the forefront of your mind. Say them to yourself every morning or write them in a journal daily.

But keep them visible to focus on what matters!

8. EXPECT OBSTACLES

The hard days are when most people fall off the wagon. They test our resolve in a BIG way.

First, go in knowing that there will be ridiculously tough days. Second, prepare ahead of time for them. Ask yourself, “what are all of the ways this will be hard in a week or a month?” Then, prepare countermeasures.

Also, there may be instances where you use the expression “rest, don’t quit.” It’s always ok to take a break or a step back, just be sure to get back to it after your break.

9. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Goals are like learning a new language. At certain phases of language development, it feels as though you digress. Words get mumbled around. You have no idea what you’re saying. But your brain is just working out the new patterns!

So, while the road forward can be discouraging, it’s important to celebrate to keep momentum. Find one good thing every day or week to acknowledge that you are working hard and making progress.

Maybe those pushups were a little easier, you’re proud of yourself for a small action, or you didn’t yell at your dog. Whatever it is, pat yourself on the back!

10. PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Good things take time!

If you can emotionally remove yourself from day to day results, you’ll be in MUCH better shape. So, remember the long term is what you’re after, and no one can rush that.

11. TRACK THAT PROGRESS

Finally, find a way to measure and keep score of how you’re doing!

Here are some stellar ideas to track what’s important:

Move a paperclip/marble to a jar (for every phone call or set of exercises you do)
Keep a food diary
Use a 30 day habit tracker template
Use a time tracker
Take body measurements and measure monthly
Keep data
Utilize apps like Seven and Wunderlist

Focus on tracking your progress and the results will follow.

Seek Feedback

A great way to track your forward movement is to seek feedback from others.

We all have blind spots, and it’s hard to see where our weaknesses lie. Constructive criticism helps us more forward. So, ask someone that you trust how you’re doing with your goal and what they think you could do better.

What if it’s Not Working?

If you feel stuck, or your plan isn’t working, it’s time to re-evaluate. Is the goal or time frame unrealistic? Is there a part of your process that needs to be changed? Perhaps you are making progress, but you need to measure in a new way! Give it some thought, and make necessary changes.

Something to Consider with Goals

Our lives are more fulfilled when we pursue meaningful projects, so take charge and get working on those beautiful dreams for your life. One step at a time! Seize the day and make the most of the gifts you were given!

“Impossible is just an opinion.”
Paulo Coelho

What are your best steps to achieve goals? I’d love to hear what works for you!