3 Ways to Set Goals That Actually Work

Who says you need a new year to set goals? Spoiler alert: You don’t. It’s 2024, and whether it’s January, July, or December, there’s no better time than now to redirect your life and chase those dreams.

So, let’s toss out the idea that goal-setting only happens on New Year’s Day. Instead, let’s dive into how you can set goals that actually stick, no matter when you start.

1. Stop Thinking About 2024 as Just Another Year—Think Bigger.

2024 is more than just a page on the calendar. It’s part of your life’s journey. If you focus solely on this year, you might miss the bigger picture. Instead, create a vision for the next 5-10 years. What does your dream life look like? Who’s in it? What have you accomplished? How much are you earning?

Think of this year as one chapter in your book, not the whole story. Let’s say you want to launch a successful business or write a best-selling novel. These aren’t goals you achieve overnight or even in a single year. They require long-term planning and consistent effort. By envisioning where you want to be in 5-10 years, you set a clear path for yourself, and each year becomes a stepping stone toward that larger vision.

Once you have that long-term vision, work backward. If you want to hit a major milestone in five years, what should you achieve in the next three to stay on track? Setting goals with the bigger picture in mind helps keep you motivated all year long, and it prevents the frustration that can come from setting overly ambitious short-term goals that feel overwhelming.

2. Identify the Beliefs That Could Be Holding You Back.

It’s easy to set a goal. But what’s harder is understanding why we sometimes fail to achieve them. More often than not, the culprit isn’t laziness or lack of time—it’s our underlying beliefs.

Let’s say your goal is to earn a million dollars. Sounds great, right? But what if you grew up in an environment where you were taught that “rich people are greedy” or “money doesn’t buy happiness”? Even if you logically disagree, those beliefs might still be lurking in your subconscious, holding you back from fully pursuing wealth.

Beliefs like these can cause you to miss opportunities, sabotage your efforts, or feel conflicted about success. For example, you might shy away from networking with successful people or feel guilty about charging what you’re worth. These hidden beliefs can be powerful blockers to achieving your goals.

To identify them, pay attention to moments when you feel triggered or when negative emotions bubble up. These are often signs of deeper beliefs that need reprogramming. Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, challenge it. Ask yourself, “Is this belief really true? Where did it come from? How can I reframe it?”

By bringing these subconscious beliefs into the light, you empower yourself to move past them. This way, you’re not just setting goals—you’re setting yourself up to actually achieve them.

3. Become the Person Who Can Achieve That Vision.

If your 10-year goal is to become a millionaire, think about who you need to be to make that happen. What qualities, habits, and behaviors do you need to adopt? How do you need to think and behave to achieve your goals?

This is where you align your daily actions with your long-term vision. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, start acting like one today. What does a successful entrepreneur do daily? They might read books, attend networking events, prioritize their health, and consistently work on their business.

Go through your vision for the next 5-10 years. What mindset do you need to develop? What actions do you need to take? What do you need to let go of—whether it’s bad habits, limiting beliefs, or even relationships that no longer serve you? This is where the real magic happens. When you align who you are with what you want to achieve, you set yourself up for long-term success.

The Bottom Line: Goal-Setting Is Timeless

Don’t limit yourself to setting goals only at the start of the year. Anytime is the right time to take control of your life and aim for your dreams. Whether it’s January, mid-year, or the tail end of 2024, these three strategies will help you set goals that actually work and keep you moving forward, no matter when you start.