The (Fun) Truth About Goal Setting: Why It Hasn’t Worked & How To Make It Stick

Get Ready to Get Real About Your Goals and Fly High

Let’s be real—goal setting can feel like a chore. Maybe you’ve avoided it because you’re afraid of failing. Here is a secret about failure; it’s a gift. Because it makes you try harder. And the goal has to be a little bit scary because then achieving it makes it worth the journey. Or maybe you’ve just never sat down and actually Set goals. Either way, it’s time to change and make it real. Let’s get real.

Why? Because setting goals doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. In fact, it can be a full-on adventure. I’m going to walk you through a way to set goals that light a fire in your belly—and actually work.

Sound good? Great. Let’s dive in.

🚀 Why Goal Setting Sometimes Fails (And What You’re Not Being Told)

There are plenty of goal-setting methods out there—like SMART goals, vision boards, and visualisations—but a lot of them miss one key ingredient: your senses.

Yep. The secret sauce to making your goals stick is to fully feel them. You want your goals to come alive in your mind and body. That’s where START goals come in.

🌟 Introducing: START Goals

I’ve given the old SMART goal method a little makeover. Why? Because I believe your goals should feel true to you—not just “measurable.”

Here’s what START stands for:

• Specific – Get clear on exactly what you want.
• Truthful – Make sure it’s your goal, not someone else’s, some people use Measurable but truthful means you are not measuring you are getting real about your goals for you only.
• Achievable – Stretch yourself, but don’t set the bar on the moon.
• Realistic/Relevant – It should fit your life but still excite you.
• Time-Based – Put a deadline on it (or it’ll live forever in “someday” land).

✍️ Writing Goals That Actually Happen

Writing goals is easy when you know how. And here’s the kicker—it’s not about writing a to-do list. It’s about connecting your goals to your senses and emotions.

Let’s break it down step-by-step.

🧠 Step 1: Pre-Goal Reflection – Why Don’t You Have It Already?

Before you dream big, ask yourself:
“Why don’t I already have what I want?”

Be honest. Are you trying to please someone else? Did you aim too high (or low)? Or maybe you didn’t really want it in the first place.

Self-reflection is where the magic starts.

🌈 Step 2: What Do You Actually Want?

Now ask:
“What SPECIFICALLY do I want?” (No vague answers like “more money” or “a better job.”)

Most people spend more time saying what they don’t want. Flip that script. Get detailed, and paint a clear picture of what success looks like for you.

📍 Step 3: Where Are You Now?

Just like Google Maps can’t give you directions without knowing your current location, you need to figure out where you’re starting from.

Ask:
“Where am I now?”

Be real. No shame here—this is your starting line.

🎨 Step 4: Make It Sensory!

Now let’s make your goal real.

Ask yourself:

1. What will I see when I have it?
   Picture it. Close your eyes and visualize the result.
2. What will I hear when I have it?
   Is it applause? Someone congratulating you? Your own proud inner voice?
3. What will I feel when I have it?
   Confidence? Joy? Freedom?

Use all your senses to make the goal emotionally tangible. Think of a time you crushed something big—remember that feeling? Let’s bottle that up and pour it all over your goal.

🔮 Step 5: Time Travel – See Your Future Self

Now imagine it’s already happened. You’ve achieved your goal. Step outside of yourself and see yourself winning.

This is called “dissociation”—watching your future self from the outside so your brain goes, “Oh yeah, that is me.”

📏 Step 6: How Will You Know You’ve Made It?

Ask:
“How will I know I’ve achieved it?”

What’s the final result? What’s the proof that you got there? Make this crystal clear. If it’s a dollar amount, say the number. If it’s a job, write the title. No fuzziness allowed.

🌱 Step 7: Life Check – Does This Goal Support Your Whole Life?

This is a big one.

Ask:
“What will this outcome get for me or allow me to do?”

Will it boost your health, hurt your relationships, or elevate everything? Check if your goal is helping all areas of your life, not just one.

🧍 Step 8: Is It Your Goal?

If your goal depends on someone else doing something, it’s time for a reality check.

Ask:
“Is this only for me?”

If someone else is involved, make sure they’re on board. Otherwise, it’s like trying to drive a car with one flat tire.

🌎 Step 9: What Area of Life Is This Goal For?

Goals need context. Is this about your:

• Career?
• Health?
• Relationships?
• Finances?

Ask:
“Where, when, how, and with whom do I want this?”
Get as specific as possible.

🧰 Step 10: What Resources Do You Need?

You wouldn’t try to bake a cake without checking if you have the ingredients, right?

Ask:
“What do I have now, and what do I need?”
Make a list. Check it twice. Start gathering what’s missing.

🧠 Step 11: Has Anyone Else Done It?

If someone’s already achieved what you want—awesome! That means it’s possible.

Ask:
“Do I know someone who’s done this?”
Talk to them. Learn from them. Success leaves clues.

🎭 Step 12: Can You Act As If?

Not “fake it till you make it”—that implies you’re pretending.

Instead, try:
“Can I act as if I have it already?”

Dress the part, walk the walk, talk the talk. Your body and brain will follow.

⚖️ Step 13: Is It Ethical and Aligned?

If your goal messes with your values or hurts others, it’ll backfire.

Ask:
“Is it ecological?”
Will it benefit your life without throwing something else off balance?

🎯 Step 14: Why Do You Really Want This?

Dig deep.

Ask:
“For what purpose do I want this?”

What’s the deeper reason behind your goal? Find your WHY—it’s your emotional fuel.

⚖️ Step 15: What Will You Gain or Lose?

Every goal requires a trade-off. Time, money, energy—something’s gotta give.

Ask:
“What will I gain or lose if I achieve this goal?”

Better to know now than later. Awareness = power.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Your Dreams Are Worth It

You made it through the ultimate goal-setting adventure!

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about living a life that lights you up from the inside out.

So now it’s your turn—take one goal, follow these steps, and see how different it feels. Reflect. Reframe. Realign. And go get it.

Go for it!