Ever wonder why some people make crushing their goals look easy, while others can’t seem to get out of the starting blocks?
Here’s the truth: it’s NOT about working harder.
It’s about working smarter—stacking the odds in your favor with a few simple strategies.
These aren’t hacks or gimmicks.
These strategies, recommended by Ali Abdaal and supported by research, are designed to do one thing: increase your chances of success.
Let’s dive in.
1. Write It Down or It Doesn’t Count
You’ve got goals. Great. But here’s a question: Are they written down somewhere?
If not, you’re leaving a 42% improvement on the table.
That’s what a study from the Dominican University found—people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.
Why?
Because writing forces clarity. It makes your goals concrete instead of wishy-washy ideas floating around in your head.
What to Do:
- Open a Google Doc or grab a notebook.
- Set quarterly goals (3-4 max). Quarterly goals create focus and urgency, unlike those “annual goals” we forget by February.
- Name them something fun, like “Quarterly Quests” or “Mission Objectives.” Keep it light, keep it motivating.
2. Review Your Goals Often (Like, Really Often)
Here’s the problem: most people set goals and forget about them until the end of the year. No wonder nothing happens.
The trick?
Review them weekly. It keeps your brain locked in and reminds you what’s important.
This works because of something called the Reticular Activating System (RAS)—a fancy term for how your brain filters information.
When you review your goals regularly, your brain starts spotting opportunities related to them.
Think of it like buying a new car—you suddenly see that same model everywhere. Your brain is primed to notice it.
What to Do:
- Every week, take 10 seconds to review your goals. Ask yourself:
“How are things going?” - Build this into a simple routine. Maybe it’s part of your Sunday reset. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee. Whatever works.
- Make it stupid simple. Just reviewing them keeps them front and center, so you don’t forget what matters.
3. Track Progress or Stay Stuck
Setting goals without tracking progress is like driving without a speedometer—you don’t know if you’re getting closer or just burning gas.
A meta-analysis of 138 studies found that people who regularly track their progress are way more likely to hit their goals.
Why?
It creates a feedback loop. You see what’s working, what’s not, and you adjust.
What to Do:
Use a traffic light system:
- Green = On track
- Yellow = A bit off track, but manageable
- Red = Off track with no clear plan
Keep it simple. No fancy tools needed. A basic checklist, a note on your phone, or even a sticky note on your desk works.
Bonus tip: Break your goals into smaller chunks and track those. Small wins add up fast, and they keep your momentum rolling.
4. Visualize Obstacles & Make a Plan (WOOP It)
Everyone loves to talk about visualizing success, but here’s the kicker: just thinking about success can backfire. Studies show that if you only picture the end result, you’re less likely to do the work.
Instead, try mental contrasting—visualize both the outcome and the obstacles in your way.
Psychologist Gabriele Oettingen calls it the WOOP Method:
- Wish – What do you want?
- Outcome – What will it look like when you get it?
- Obstacle – What could trip you up?
- Plan – How will you deal with those obstacles?
What to Do:
- Spend 3 minutes before starting any goal.
Ask yourself: What could get in the way, and what’s my plan for handling it? - Write it down. Doesn’t have to be perfect—just get something on paper.
This method works because it prepares you for the inevitable challenges. You’re not blindsided when things get tough.
5. Tie Your Goals to Your Identity
Behavior follows identity. Want to stick with something? Tie it to who you are, not just what you do.
Here’s a study on voting behavior: when people were asked, “Will you be a voter?” instead of “Will you vote?”, they were significantly more likely to show up at the polls.
Why?
One framed it as an action. The other framed it as part of their identity.
The same thing works with your goals. Instead of saying, “I want to write every day,” say, “I am a writer.” Writers write—it’s who they are. Identity creates consistency.
What to Do:
# 1. Ask yourself: Who do I need to become to achieve this goal?
# 2. Frame your goals as part of your identity.
- “I am a healthy person” (instead of “I want to exercise”).
- “I am an entrepreneur” (instead of “I want to start a business”).
# 3. Embrace the identity. When you see yourself as that person, doing the work becomes second nature.
One Last Thing: Don’t Overload Yourself
Here’s a bonus tip: Less is more.
Setting too many goals leads to overwhelm, burnout, and half-finished projects.
Instead, focus on fewer, high-impact goals.
As Cal Newport says in Slow Productivity, doing less (but better) is the key to sustained success.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need complex systems to hit your goals. You just need to:
- Write them down.
- Review them often.
- Track your progress.
- Visualize obstacles and plan for them.
- Tie your goals to your identity.
These strategies are simple, effective, and backed by research. The best part? You can start right now. No waiting, no overthinking—just action.
The path to hitting your goals isn’t glamorous. It’s small, consistent moves. But those moves add up.
Get started today. Future you will thank you.
This post was inspired by Ali Abdaal's video: How To Achieve Your Goals.
