How to make your goals attainable

With January almost behind us, the shine has come off many well-intentioned goals. When progress stalls, we often blame ourselves — a lack of discipline, focus, or willpower. In reality, most goals fail not because of character, but because of design. Progress is built, not willed. These three adjustments will help.

• First, be specific. Vague aims like “get healthier” or “change jobs” don’t guide behaviour. Precision creates direction and prevents quiet compromise.
   
• Second, be optimistic and realistic at the same time. Hold the ambition in one hand and the obstacles in the other. Moving deliberately between the two clarifies what action is actually required.
   
• Third, reduce the goal to a first step. Momentum comes from starting smaller than feels impressive — but large enough to move you forward.