It’s that time of year again—the season when you feel motivated and determined to accomplish all the goals you’ve set for a fresh start. But let’s be realistic: according to a study published in the Open Journal of Social Sciences, 63% of people give up on their goals by February.
So how do you avoid becoming part of that statistic? It starts with setting the right kind of goals—and designing them in a way that makes success more achievable.
Why Most Goals Fail
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your discipline—it’s the goals themselves.
Many goals fail because they are rooted in comparison. You might find yourself looking at others—your peers, competitors, or even societal expectations—and shaping your goals based on what you think you should achieve, rather than what you genuinely want.
Other times, goals come from guilt. Thoughts like “I should be doing this” often lead us to set goals that feel more like self-punishment than personal growth. But goals aren’t meant to “parent” you—they’re meant to help you flourish and become the person you truly want to be.
And then there’s the issue of unrealistic expectations. At the start of the year, it’s easy to think, “I have 12 months—I can do anything.” But life happens. Your schedule, finances, and available resources all play a role, and ignoring them can set your goals up for failure.
The Three Filters for Better Goals
To create goals that actually work, run them through these three essential filters:
1. Does It Energize You or Drain You?
A sustainable goal should excite and energize you. If it feels like a constant chore or something you’re forcing yourself to do, it’s unlikely to last. Motivation matters more than obligation.
2. Does It Fit Your Identity?
Your goals should align with who you are—or who you’re becoming. If a goal feels disconnected from your true self, it may not be the right fit.
3. Does It Match Your Current Season?
Every stage of life comes with different demands. Consider your time, energy, and resources. Ask yourself: Is this the right time for this goal? Even a great goal can fail if it doesn’t fit your current season.
Designing Goals That Stick
Once your goals pass these filters, the next step is to design them in a way that doesn’t rely on constant discipline.
Focus on Fewer Goals
More goals don’t equal more success—they often lead to overwhelm. If you have ten goals, try cutting it down to eight. If you have five, reduce it to four.
Fewer goals mean less pressure and more focus.
For example, if your main goal is to complete a big project—like writing a book—it makes sense to prioritize it above everything else. Spreading your energy across too many goals can leave you feeling pulled in different directions.
Shape Your Environment
Your environment plays a huge role in your success. Instead of relying on willpower, make your surroundings work for you.
If you want to reduce screen time, don’t just set a goal—change your environment. Leave your phone in another room, or even in your car when you need to focus. By making distractions less accessible, you remove the need for constant self-control.
Small environmental changes can make a big difference.
Simplify with a “Power Word”
If you’re looking for an even simpler approach, consider choosing a “power word” for the year—a single word that reflects your focus and intention. This word can serve as your guiding principle, helping you align your goals with what truly matters.
Once you have your word, you can build your goals around it, ensuring everything stays connected and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
A good goal should complement your life—not compete with it. It should help you grow, not feel like something you constantly have to fight against.
If achieving your goal requires endless willpower, it’s probably not sustainable. Instead, focus on creating goals that energize you, align with your identity, and fit your current season of life.
Take a moment to revisit your goals. Run them through these filters. And don’t be afraid to let some go.
Because in the end, the goals that truly matter are the ones that reflect who you are—and who you want to become.