We’ve all been there – life gets busy, and sticking to your goals seems almost impossible. Between juggling work, family, and everything else, it’s easy for your big dreams to take a backseat. However, here’s the thing: you can still stick to your goals, even when life feels overwhelming. In fact, it’s all about finding simple, doable ways to keep yourself on track. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into some easy tips to help you stay focused and keep your goals in sight, no matter how crazy life gets!
1. Set a Daily Alarm as a Reminder
Life is busy. We get it. But sometimes, we forget to check in with ourselves and our goals. Set a daily alarm to remind you to take a quick action. It could be 10 minutes to stretch, breathe, write down a thought—whatever it is, don’t let the busyness of the day make you forget about yourself. You deserve that moment.
2. Commit to a Challenge
Here’s a fun idea: what if you turned sticking to your goals into a challenge? Find something you can commit to for a set period, like a 30-day writing challenge or a 21-day habit tracker. The point isn’t perfection, it’s about showing up every day, even on the hard days. And trust me, when you’re committed to a challenge, it can light a fire under you.
3. Sign Up for an Accountability Group
We all need a little help now and then! Having someone by your side makes a world of difference. It could be a friend, a mentor, or even an online group—just someone who knows your goal and can gently remind you to stay on course. Just telling someone about your goal makes it more real, and having someone check in with you can be the extra boost you need when life gets hectic. When someone else is in your corner, it gives you that extra push to keep going.
4. Write Your Goals on Sticky Notes
Here’s the thing: you need to keep your goals visible. Every. Single. Day. Grab a stack of sticky notes, jot down what you’re working toward, and stick them where you’ll see them all the time—on your fridge, your desk, or even your bathroom mirror. When your goals are right in front of you, it’s easier to stay connected to your “why” and remind yourself of what you’re striving for. These little visual nudges keep your goals top of mind throughout the day, and honestly, it’s such a simple yet powerful way to stay focused and motivated!
You’ll want to keep this list handy – Pin it!
5. Invest in Tools That Support Your Goal
Sometimes, you just need the right tools to help you stay organized and on track. Whether it’s a journal, an app, or a productivity tool, don’t hesitate to invest in things that will make your life easier, boost your motivation and support your goals. It’s not about overcomplicating things—it’s about making it easier to succeed.
A journal is a powerful tool for tracking your progress, reflecting on your journey, and staying focused on what matters most. If you’re looking for a journal that helps you stay aligned with your goals, check out this amazing journal to get started.
6. Share Your Goal with a Friend
Speaking your goal out loud makes it more real, don’t you think? Share it with a friend or family member who’ll be supportive and check in with you. This is your accountability partner, and their support will help keep you motivated when life gets overwhelming.
7. Block Distracting Apps on Your Phone
We’ve all been there—getting lost in endless social media scrolling or random distractions. But if you’re serious about sticking to your goals, it’s time to set some boundaries. Use apps that block distractions or put your phone on “do not disturb” during your focused “power hours.” Even something as simple as leaving your phone in another room can make a huge difference. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you’ll feel, and there’s nothing like the satisfaction of making real progress without all the noise pulling you away!
8. Use the Two-Minute Rule
Here’s a trick I swear by: if something will take two minutes or less, do it right now. It might be answering an email, putting away laundry, or making your bed. Taking care of the little tasks immediately keeps your mind clear and helps you stay focused on your bigger goals.
9. Choose One “Power Hour” Each Day
Choose one hour a day to focus entirely on your goals. No distractions. Just pure, undivided attention. It’s not about how much you do in that hour, it’s about giving that time your full energy. Pick the time of day that works best for you—whether it’s first thing in the morning or during your lunch break—and protect that time fiercely. Learn more about it in this podcast episode: Unlocking the Power Hour: A Stoic’s Guide to Peak Productivity.
10. Make It Fun
You know, working toward your goals doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Get creative! Make it fun. Whether it’s listening to your favorite music while you work, treat yourself to your favorite drink while you write, rewarding yourself with a small treat after accomplishing something, or turning your goal into a game—it should feel like something you enjoy doing, not just a task you have to get through. When you’re having fun, it won’t feel like work at all!
11. Organize Your Space
A cluttered space can easily create a cluttered mind. That’s why it’s so important to take just a few minutes each day to tidy up your environment. When your surroundings are neat and organized, your mental clarity improves too. It’s incredible how much a clean desk or an organized closet can lift your mood, enhance your focus, and boost your productivity. Plus, every time you walk into a space that’s in order, it serves as a gentle reminder that you’re in control and moving forward with your goals!
12. Commit to a “No Zero Days” Rule
This one is simple but powerful: commit to something every single day. Even if it’s just one sentence, one small step, or just five minutes of progress—just make sure you’re doing something. It’s about consistency. Consistent, daily actions build momentum and lead to powerful results over time.
If you’re looking for more quick ways to boost your day, check out my previous blog post, 15 Things to Do in 5 Minutes to Improve Your Life Today. Even small steps can create big changes!
13. Pair Your Goal with a Habit You Already Do
If you already have a habit, like brushing your teeth in the morning, try linking your goal to it. For instance, you could meditate right after brushing, drink a glass of water before making your coffee, or say your daily affirmations after you brush your teeth. You could even write down five things you’re grateful for after you read. Linking a new goal to an existing habit makes it easier to remember and stick to.
14. Time Block Your Day
Time blocking is a game-changer when it comes to staying on track. By scheduling specific blocks of time for your tasks, you’re not only making sure you have dedicated focus, but also setting yourself up for success. The key is to be realistic about what you can get done in each time block. When you’re intentional about how you spend your time, you create the space to make progress without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like giving your goals the attention they deserve, one focused block at a time.
15. Create a Rewards System
I want you to think about this: How can you reward yourself when you accomplish something, big or small? It could be something simple, like savoring a favorite treat after checking off a to-do, or treating yourself to something special when you reach a milestone. The key here is to make it personal to you. These moments of celebration not only make the journey more enjoyable but also keep you energized and focused. You deserve to feel proud of every step forward.
16. Plan Your Week on Sundays
Take a little time every Sunday to plan your week ahead. Think about it: when you pause and reflect on what’s coming up, you give yourself a head start. Start by asking yourself, ‘What are my priorities for the week? What goals do I want to focus on?’ It’s about being intentional with your time. A journal is a powerful tool for tracking your progress, reflecting on your journey, and staying focused on what matters most. If you’re looking for a journal that helps you stay aligned with your goals, check out this amazing journal to get started.
When you map out your week, you’re not only setting yourself up to be more productive, but you’re also reducing stress. You’ll feel more prepared, and when things get busy or overwhelming, you’ll have that clear roadmap to fall back on.
17. Create an Inspiration Board
When you need a boost of motivation, an inspiration board can be just what you need. Fill it with pictures, quotes, or anything that reminds you of your goals and dreams. Seeing it every day helps you stay focused on why you’re working hard and gives you that extra push to keep going. It’s a simple but powerful way to stay connected to your “why” and keep your eyes on the prize.
18. Keep Your “Why” in Mind
When things feel overwhelming or uncertain, take a moment to remind yourself why you started. Reconnecting with your “why” helps you stay focused on your purpose and reassures you that every bit of effort is meaningful. It’s like a spark that keeps you motivated, especially when the going gets tough.
19. Make a To-Do List
When you sit down and write out your tasks, you’re instantly putting your focus on what needs to get done right now. It helps take that overwhelming feeling of having too much on your plate and breaks it down into smaller, manageable pieces. You don’t have to worry about everything at once. Instead, you can focus on one task at a time, knowing exactly what’s next. This handy to-do list is perfect for staying on top of your goals and making your progress feel effortless.
And let’s not forget that simple but oh-so-satisfying feeling of crossing things off the list. There’s something so rewarding about seeing that progress, no matter how small the task. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, boosts your motivation, and keeps you moving forward.
20. Limit Multitasking
let’s talk about something we all think we’re good at—multitasking. It feels like you’re saving time, right? But here’s the thing: it can actually make us less productive.
When we’re juggling multiple things at once, we’re not giving any of them our full attention. It’s like we’re spreading ourselves too thin. Instead, try focusing on just one task at a time. Give it your full attention and really dive into it. I promise you’ll not only get it done faster, but you’ll also do it better. It’s all about quality over quantity.
21. Surround Yourself with Goal-Oriented People
The people you spend time with matter. Surround yourself with others who are also focused on their goals. When you’re around motivated, driven individuals, it’s like a spark that keeps your own fire burning. They help you stay on track, inspire new ideas, and remind you of the bigger picture. That positive energy is contagious, and before you know it, you’re moving forward with even more purpose and excitement.
22. Track Your Progress Daily or Weekly
Tracking your progress is key to staying motivated. Whether you do it daily or weekly, keep a record of your milestones and achievements. It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come, and it’ll give you the boost you need when you feel like giving up.
23. Create a Mantra
When things start to feel overwhelming, having a mantra can be a real lifeline. It’s like your personal anchor—something simple you can repeat to yourself to help you refocus when doubt creeps in. Maybe it’s something like, ‘I am capable’ or ‘One step at a time.’ Whatever resonates with you, make it personal.
Your mantra reminds you that you’re on the right path, no matter how slow or uncertain the journey may feel. It brings you back to your core, and before you know it, you’re moving forward again with clarity and confidence.
24. Visualize Success
Take a moment every day to visualize what success looks like for you. Picture yourself accomplishing your goals—whether it’s finishing a project, running a marathon, or creating the life you’ve always wanted. Visualization makes your goals feel more attainable and keeps you motivated.
Final Thoughts on How To Stick To Your Goals
At the end of the day, it’s truly all about taking it one step at a time. Life isn’t always predictable, and, unfortunately, there will be days when sticking to your goals feels especially tough. However, trust me when I say, even the smallest step forward counts. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away; instead, focus on the progress you’re making, no matter how small it seems.
In fact, progress often happens in those quiet, seemingly insignificant moments when you choose to show up, even just a little. Therefore, keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this in the first place, and try not to be too hard on yourself if things don’t always go as planned.
After all, every journey is built on those small, consistent actions you take each day. And remember, I’ll be here cheering you on every step of the way. So let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time—you’ve got this!
