10 Big Goal Strategies that Actually Work

There are several strategies that can significantly improve your chances of achieving your goals. Let’s dive into 10 of them that have been crucial in helping me achieve my goals in the past.

1. Choose One Big Goal as Your Top Focus

Having multiple interests and goals is natural, but when it comes to big goals, it’s best to focus on one at a time. When I trained for a half marathon, it was my top priority. I structured my days around it, ensuring all my decisions supported that goal. Once fitness became a habit, I could shift focus to other areas.

2. Do Some Research

Jumping into a big goal can be daunting. Research what has worked for others who have succeeded. When I trained for my half marathon, I adapted a plan from Hal Higdon, an experienced runner. This gave me confidence in my training. However, always test advice to ensure it works for you and avoid getting stuck in the research phase without taking action.

3. Find a Challenge or Event to Join

Accountability is key. Joining a challenge or event related to your goal provides community support. When I committed to a virtual half marathon challenge on Instagram, it gave me the push I needed. Having a specific date and knowing others were in it with me kept me focused and committed.

4. Make a Detailed Plan

Accountability to yourself is also important. Create a specific, action-oriented plan. For my half marathon, I wrote down my daily workouts on a calendar for 7 weeks. This eliminated daily decision-making and ensured I knew exactly what to do each day. Whether it’s organizing your home, eating healthy, or completing a work project, having a detailed plan simplifies the process.

5. Tell People About Your Goal

Sharing your goals with others adds another layer of accountability. When I told my husband, friends, and Instagram followers about my half marathon, their support and check-ins motivated me. Knowing others were aware of my goal pushed me to keep going, even when it got tough.

6. Record Your Progress

Tracking your progress keeps you motivated. I crossed off each completed workout on my calendar and kept a list in the Evernote app. This allowed me to see my improvements and kept me accountable to my training plan.

7. Focus on Not Breaking Your Streak

The “Jerry Seinfeld Method” of tracking daily progress can be highly motivating. Seeing a long streak of completed tasks makes you less likely to skip a day. I’ve worked out for 289 days straight because I don’t want to break my streak. Apps often have built-in streak counters to help with this.

8. Plan When to Fit Your Goal into Your Day

Plan ahead to ensure you can fit your goal-related tasks into your day. For my half marathon, I checked the weather and adjusted my schedule to fit in my runs. Planning ahead prevents last-minute excuses and ensures you stay on track.

9. If You Fail, Start Back Up ASAP

We all have off days, and that’s okay. The key is to get back on track quickly. James Clear advises not missing two days in a row. This helps prevent small slip-ups from turning into long-term setbacks. Give yourself grace, but stay committed to your goal.

10. Make Your Next Plan Before Reaching Your Goal

Plan for what comes next after achieving your big goal. After my half marathon, I had a post-race workout plan to maintain my fitness habit. Having a follow-up plan prevents a sense of being “done” and helps maintain the progress you’ve made.

The Power of a Big Goal

Achieving a big goal can positively impact your entire life. Working towards these goals helps develop healthy habits that stick with us long after the goal is achieved. Whether it’s running a race, getting organized, or improving your sleep, these habits can transform how you see yourself and live your life.

Implementing these strategies can make a significant difference in achieving your big goals. What big goal are you hoping to achieve soon? Tell me about it in the comments below so I can cheer you on! I can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

If you’re working on a big goal, be sure to pin this image so you can come back to this post easily! Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video. Take care. Bye-bye!