How to Stick to Your Goals

Learn how to overcome common obstacles and maintain motivation with these proven goal-setting techniques.

Setting goals is easy; it’s sticking to them that’s tough. We all face distractions, a lack of motivation, and unexpected challenges along the way. But with the right strategies, you can stay focused on what matters most.

In this article, I’ll share 10 foolproof methods for maintaining commitment to your goals. From establishing accountability to leveraging small wins, these techniques will help you power through obstacles and cross the finish line.

Table of Contents

• Why is employee feedback important?
• Types of employee feedback
  • Positive Feedback
  • Constructive Feedback
• Best practises for giving employee feedback
  • Be specific
  • Be timely
  • Focus on behaviour
  • Offer solutions
  • Use the “Sandwich” method
• FAQs
  • Q1: How do I give feedback to employees who are defensive?
  • Q2: Should I give feedback in public or private?
  • Q3: How often should I give feedback to employees?
  • Q4: How do I give feedback that is specific and actionable?
  • Q5: What should I do if the employee doesn’t take my feedback well?
• Conclusion

Break goals into bite-sized steps

One of the biggest reasons we give up is because our goals seem daunting in their entirety. Sheesh, losing 50 pounds or launching a business sounds downright impossible! That’s why it’s important to break big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Rather than just saying “lose weight,” determine how many pounds to lose per month. Instead of vaguely aiming to “write a book,” establish a daily word count goal. Getting a sense of progress through completing micro-goals along the way keeps us motivated to chase the larger prize.

Establish Accountability

Willpower is fleeting, but accountability is forever. Tell friends, family members, or co-workers about your goals; the more people who are invested in your success, the less likely you are to ditch your commitments when boredom strikes.

Ask someone close to you to check in with you regularly about your progress. Better yet, find an accountability partner pursuing similar goals who you can support in return. Knowing someone is counting on you to follow through means you’re way less likely to bail when the going gets tough.

Leverage the power of habit

Goals are sustainable long-term when they become ingrained habits. The key is making your goal-related behaviours automatic responses to triggers in your daily routine.

For example, if you want to save more money, set up automatic transfers each pay period so the cash goes straight into savings without you having to think about it. Working out after work? Leave your gym clothes in the car, so there’s no excuse not to change before heading inside.

Tie your goals to cues already in your life to make sticking to them second nature.

Celebrate small wins

Nothing keeps us trudging towards a goal like feeling a sense of progress and achievement along the way. So don’t wait until the finish line to pat yourself on the back; celebrate all the little wins as well.

Did you stick to your meal plan for a whole week? Complete a project ahead of schedule? Hit 10,000 steps today? Give yourself a high five! Small rewards like watching your favourite TV show or treating yourself to coffee keep the motivation train chugging.

Use visual reminders

Out of sight is out of mind, so surround yourself with visual cues related to your goals. Post notes, sticky reminders, or photos of inspiration in places you’ll see them daily, like your bathroom mirror, fridge, or computer desktop.

Digital calendars work too; add goal-related tasks and events so they’re front and centre. The more you’re consciously reminded of what you’re working towards, the less mental energy you’ll waste on distractions pulling you off course.

Track your progress

Keeping detailed records of the steps you take and milestones you hit along the way is hugely motivating. Whether in a notebook, spreadsheet, or app, log your goal-related activities and results.

Seeing tangible evidence of all you’ve accomplished so far, even on days when you don’t feel like you’re making progress, inspires you to keep going. Plus, tracking reveals patterns that help optimise your approach. Don’t just go through the motions; document your journey.

Leverage social proof

We’re all more likely to follow through when we know others are doing the same thing. So find online communities centred around your specific goals where you can connect, share experiences, and draw encouragement from like-minded individuals facing similar challenges.

Group accountability through forums, Facebook groups, subReddits, or Facebook can give you a built-in cheerleading squad. And knowing what’s working for others prevents you from wasting time on approaches that don’t deliver.

Ask Yourself Daily “Why”

Passion and purpose are powerful motivators, so take time each day to reconnect with your deeper motivations for pursuing a goal. Ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?” and reflect on how accomplishing it will make you feel or positively impact your life.

Keep those reasons top of mind, especially on low-energy days, to rekindle enthusiasm. Post reminders of your “why” where you’ll see them regularly for an instant boost of inspiration.

Take action before you feel like it

Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is what gets you to the finish line. So make a habit of starting goal-related tasks like working out or writing even when you’re not in the mood.

Momentum is real; once you get going, you’ll often find yourself more engaged than expected. But you have to begin, not wait around for a surge of motivation that may never come. Action breeds motivation, not the other way around.

Handle setbacks gracefully

In any goal pursuit, bumps in the road are inevitable. Expect setbacks and prepare for how you’ll respond, so they don’t derail your progress long-term. If you slip up, get right back on track at the next opportunity rather than throwing in the towel.

See stumbles as natural parts of the learning process, not signs you’ve failed. With persistence and self-compassion, you’ll overcome obstacles and get right back where you left off.

FAQs

Q: What if I’m not seeing results yet?

A: When pursuing major goals, changes often happen gradually. Stay focused on progress, not perfection, and keep adjusting your approach using what you’re learning. Stick with it; results will come.

Q: How do I stay motivated on busy or stressful days?

A: On hectic days, simplify your goal-related tasks to make them easier to complete, no matter what. Even 5–10 minutes of focused effort is better than giving up. Be gentle with yourself as you juggle demands; consistency matters more than intensity.

Q: What if I fall off track completely?

A: Everyone slips up sometimes. Rather than beat yourself up, get back on track as soon as you realise you’ve wandered off course. Don’t quit; you’ve come too far to stop now. Commit to learning from what triggered your slip to strengthen your approach going forward.

Q: How do I avoid burnout?

A: Balance is key. Pursue your goals consistently without going to extremes that could lead to burnout. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure to still carve out time for rest, fun, and relationships outside your goal pursuit as well. Taking an occasional break to recharge will serve you better than pushing relentlessly.

Q: What if my goal is too vague?

A: Goals need to be specific, measurable, and have a clear deadline to stay on track. If yours feels fuzzy, break it down into smaller, more tangible steps you can take over set periods of time (e.g., “lose 10 lbs by June” vs. just “lose weight”). Being able to track progress keeps you motivated.

Conclusion

Reaching our goals takes perseverance and strategy. By establishing clear plans, surrounding yourself with accountability and reminders, celebrating small wins, and handling hiccups gracefully, you have what it takes to stick it out through any obstacles.

Stay focused on why your goals matter most during challenging times, and keep optimising your approach as you learn. With consistency and the right mindset, accomplishing what you set out to do is totally within reach.