How to Make Goals that Work for You
It’s totally normal to set big goals—especially when we’re feeling motivated or inspired. We want to change things, improve, and make the most out of life. But here’s the catch: when we pick goals that are too big or unrealistic, we often end up feeling stuck. When we don’t meet those grand goals, it can make us feel worse rather than better.
On the flip side, when we set goals that are realistic and achievable, something amazing happens. Even if our minds try to convince us that we should be aiming for more - smaller, doable goals actually make us more likely to succeed. And guess what? Success, no matter how small, gives us that much-needed boost of confidence and motivation to keep going.
The Number One Question to Ask Yourself
Before we dive into setting your goals, here’s the one question I want you to remember above all else:
“Am I 80% confident or more that I can accomplish this, even if everything else goes poorly?”
If the answer is “no,” then it’s time to rethink your goal. If you don’t remember anything else from this post, please remember that question! It's the key to setting goals that you can actually follow through on—without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
This is where SMART goals come in—they are goals that are clear, realistic, and designed to set you up for success. SMART goals help you focus on what you truly want while giving you a clear, actionable plan that keeps you moving forward without overwhelming you.
They are:
Specific: Clear and focused, so you know exactly what you're aiming for.
My Own: Aligned with your values and meaningful to you.
Action-Oriented: Based on behaviors you can do, not feelings you want to have.
Realistic: Achievable with the resources and time you have.
Time-Framed: Linked to a specific timeline for starting and completing.
How This Worksheet Can Help
The worksheet attached to this post guides you step by step through the process of setting SMART goals. It helps you focus on one area of your life, connect your goals to your core values, and think through potential obstacles before they come up. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
Start Small: Pick one area of your life to focus on—like health, relationships, or work.
Stay Grounded in Your Values: Choose a value or two that will inspire your goal.
Define Your SMART Goal: Break your goal into clear, actionable, and realistic steps.
Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself why this goal matters to keep motivation alive.
Prepare for Challenges: Plan ahead for both internal (e.g., self-doubt) and external (e.g., lack of time) obstacles.
Assess Realism: Make sure your goal feels achievable, even on your worst day.
Share for Accountability: Let someone else know about your goal—they can cheer you on!
Seven Strategies for Long-Term Success
The worksheet also includes seven simple strategies (adapted from Dr. Russ Harris) to help you maintain your momentum. Whether it’s setting reminders, tracking progress, or celebrating small wins, these tips make it easier to turn your goal into a lasting habit.
Download the Worksheet
If you’re ready to create meaningful, achievable goals, download the worksheet [here]. Take 10 minutes to fill it out and see how SMART goals can help you focus on what truly matters—without the overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
Remember, small steps add up to big changes. Start with one goal that feels doable, and let yourself adjust as you go. It’s okay to stumble along the way—what matters most is that you keep going. And always ask yourself: Am I 80% confident I can do this, even if everything goes wrong? You’ve got this!
Until next time,
Jayne