Setting goals and aspiring to live a better life is always admirable, but let’s face it—taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming. This is especially true if you haven’t done the essential work of understanding why you want to achieve your goals and how you plan to make them a reality.
Before you dive into action mode, ask yourself these three essential questions.
1. Why do I want this?
So, you want to change industries or get an MBA? Why are you chasing this goal? Understanding your “why” is non-negotiable because it connects your ambitions to what you truly care about—not what looks cool on Instagram or what someone else says you should be doing.
The idea of sipping green juice, doing Pilates, and running a chic London office may sound wonderful in theory—but does it actually make you feel alive inside? If you’re more of a coffee-fueled, HIIT-loving who thrives working in the comfort of your home office, spending your morning drinking kale and doing pendulums will make you miserable. So be honest with yourself: are you chasing something that genuinely makes you feel good, or just what looks good on the proverbial ‘gram?
2. How Am I Going to Make This Happen?
Tony Robbins nailed it when he said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” Translation: change requires change. To set yourself up for success, you’ve got to identify the tangible steps that will take you from where you are to where you want to be.
- What sacrifices are you willing to make?
- What sacrifices can you make now?
- What resources or skills do you need to tap into?
- And what commitments does your future self need from you, starting now?
Tony Robbins once said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” Translation? Change requires change. That means creating a plan for how you’re going to get from where you are to where you want to be.
Ask yourself: What sacrifices can I make right now? What skills or resources do I need to tap into?
If your goal is to land your dream job but you’re missing a few key skills, think about the classes you need to sign up for—and how you’re going to carve out time to study. Or, if you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle, what temptations do you need to say goodbye to? Maybe swap the cookies for something that supports your goal (but still tastes amazing, obviously). And schedule those workouts in your calendar like they’re non-negotiable meetings. Putting these actionable steps in place is what turns a fantasy into reality.
3. How Will I Keep Myself Accountable?
As with any other routine, consistency is key. Just like you wouldn’t skip your skincare regimen (because, hello, glowing skin!), regularly checking in on your progress is essential for staying on track. A weekly self-assessment is a great way to celebrate your wins and figure out what needs tweaking. And if you fall off track? Don’t be hard on yourself—progress is about persistence, not perfection. Finally — and this is a biggie — get an accountability partner. According to research from the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), having someone hold you accountable increases your chances of success by 65%. And if you commit to regular check-ins with that person, your odds of crushing your goals jump to a staggering 95%. So grab a friend, mentor, or coach who will cheer you on—and keep you honest when you start slipping.
By asking yourself these three simple but powerful questions, you’ll set yourself up for success—and build a life that’s meaningful to you, not just aesthetically pleasing for the feed.