How to actually achieve your goals in 2025

In this article, we will discuss five relatively simple, evidence-based strategies that can significantly increase your chances of achieving your goals. When it comes to goal-setting and achieving, the key difference between those who succeed and those who don’t often boils down to the amount of action they take. However, research shows that there are five straightforward actions you can take to tip the scales in your favor. You can think of these as “hacks” or “habits”—they are quick to implement but will substantially improve your likelihood of success. If you’re already doing all five of these, great! You’re on the right track. But if you’re not yet applying them, you’ve got some easy wins that you can start right after reading this article.

By the way, if you’re new here, welcome! Let’s jump into point number one.

I’d like to share a story from Jim Rohn, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. At age 25, Jim was broke, but he got mentored by a business tycoon named Mr. Cha. During one meeting, Mr. Cha asked him to share his list of goals, to which Jim replied that he didn’t have one. Mr. Cha said, “If you don’t have a list of your goals, I can guess your bank balance within a few hundred dollars.” Jim was astonished, and Mr. Cha explained that writing down your goals could dramatically change your life. This conversation inspired Jim to start setting goals, a practice he credits with helping him build a successful life and business.

Now, let me ask you: Do you have a list of written goals? Could you show them to someone if they asked? You might think this is basic advice, but research backs it up. A study from the Dominican University showed that simply writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them by 42%. Writing down your goals doesn’t take much time, but it can have a massive impact. For me, I like to set quarterly goals—around three or four goals per quarter. I find that having more than four goals often results in less progress.

Strategy number two involves understanding the role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS), a part of the brain that filters information and helps you focus on what’s most important to you. For example, once you decide to buy a Fiat 500, you start noticing them everywhere. This happens because your RAS has identified your goal, and it directs your attention to related stimuli. To leverage this, review your written goals regularly—daily or weekly—to reinforce your focus. I personally review my goals weekly and check my progress. This small effort helps ensure that your brain stays aligned with your priorities and increases the chances of reaching them.

Mistake number one is not setting goals at all. Mistake number two is setting goals but not writing them down. Mistake number three is setting goals and then forgetting about them. By reviewing your goals frequently, you activate your RAS and keep your goals top of mind. It only takes a few seconds each day or week, but this habit can significantly improve your chances of success.

Next, let’s talk about strategy number three: regularly monitoring your progress. A meta-analysis of 138 studies found that people who regularly track their progress are more likely to achieve their goals. For instance, in my weekly reset, I check on my quarterly goals and evaluate whether I’m on track. I even use an app called Things 3 to monitor my to-do list and categorize my tasks based on progress. Regularly monitoring your progress doesn’t take much time, but it keeps you motivated and helps you make course corrections when necessary.

Strategy number four comes from psychologist Gabriele Oettingen and involves a technique called mental contrasting. This method encourages you to visualize both your desired outcome and the obstacles that could get in your way. Studies show that this approach boosts goal achievement. Oettingen’s “WOOP” method stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. First, you identify your goal (Wish) and the outcome you desire. Then, think about the obstacles you might face and create a plan to overcome them. For example, if your goal is to write a book, obstacles might include time management or lack of ideas. You can plan to overcome these by setting dedicated writing time or brainstorming with others. This simple exercise helps you stay prepared for challenges and increases your likelihood of success.

Finally, strategy number five is to tie your goals to your identity. A study found that people who identify as “voters” are more likely to vote than those who are simply asked if they will vote. By tying your goals to your identity, you create a deeper sense of commitment. For example, if one of your goals is to get fit, instead of just setting a fitness goal, adopt the identity of a “healthy person.” By internalizing the identity of someone who achieves their goals, you make it easier to stay consistent, especially when the going gets tough. I personally found that embracing the identity of a “writer” helped me stay consistent with my writing goals.

Incorporating these five strategies—writing your goals down, reviewing them regularly, monitoring your progress, visualizing obstacles, and tying your goals to your identity—will give you a significant edge in achieving your objectives. But remember, it’s important not to set too many goals. Cal Newport’s book Slow Productivity advocates for focusing on fewer, more meaningful goals to avoid burnout.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you find these strategies helpful as you work toward achieving your goals.