Setting Realistic Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dreaming big is great, but turning those dreams into reality? That’s where the real work begins. The key to success isn’t just setting goals—it’s setting realistic, actionable goals that you can actually achieve.

We all know the feeling of setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them a few weeks later. Why? Because most goals fail due to lack of clarity, unrealistic expectations, or zero strategy. But when you break your goals down properly, success becomes inevitable.

So, let’s get into it: how do you set realistic goals and actually achieve them?

Most people fail because they don’t define their goals clearly. Saying, “I want to be successful,” or “I want to get in shape,” is too vague.

Instead, make it specific.

•    Instead of “I want to lose weight,” say “I will lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and eating healthier.”

•    Instead of “I want to start a business,” say “I will launch my online store by June 1st, selling handmade jewelry.”

Before becoming a billionaire, Sara Blakely was selling fax machines door-to-door. She set a clear goal: create a product that women actually needed. She spent years refining Spanx, setting small, realistic milestones, and refusing to quit. Today, she’s one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in the world.

To make sure your goals are achievable, use the SMART method:

•    Specific – What exactly do you want to accomplish?

•    Measurable – How will you track progress?

•    Achievable – Is this goal realistic?

•    Relevant – Does this goal align with your bigger vision?

•    Time-bound – What’s the deadline?

Elon Musk didn’t just say, “I want to go to Mars.” He broke it down into SMART goals:

•    Develop reusable rockets (achieved with Falcon 9).

•    Send a manned mission to space (achieved with Crew Dragon).

•    Establish a Mars colony (in progress).

Breaking down a massive goal into smaller, achievable steps made it possible.

A big goal can feel overwhelming, but when you chunk it into smaller steps, it becomes manageable.

Let’s say your goal is to write a book in one year. Instead of focusing on the entire book, break it down:

1.    Outline the chapters (Month 1).

2.    Write 500 words a day (Months 2-6).

3.    Edit the manuscript (Months 7-9).

4.    Find a publisher or self-publish (Months 10-12).

Oprah didn’t become a media mogul overnight. She started as a local news anchor, then moved to a bigger network, then launched her talk show, and later built an empire. One step at a time.

Goals are easier to achieve when you have accountability.

•    Tell someone – A friend, coach, or mentor can keep you on track.

•    Write it down – Studies show you’re 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down.

•    Use a habit tracker – Apps like Notion, HabitBull, or a simple journal can track progress.

Before becoming the world’s most famous author, J.K. Rowling was a single mom struggling financially. She committed to writing every single day, holding herself accountable until she finished Harry Potter.

Life happens. If something isn’t working, adjust your plan but don’t quit.

•    If your workout plan is too intense, scale it down instead of giving up.

•    If your side hustle isn’t growing, tweak your strategy instead of abandoning it.

Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Edison failed 10,000 times before inventing the lightbulb. When asked about his failures, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His ability to adapt led to one of the greatest inventions in history.

Success isn’t about setting goals—it’s about taking action. Start today with these three simple steps:

1.    Write down one goal you want to achieve this year.

2.    Break it into smaller steps.

3.    Take action on step one today.

What’s one goal you’re setting for yourself? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!