How to actually achieve your goals

Weekly technique

By Weight Watchers

Last updated 11 June 2024

Fact: The closer we are to achieving something, the more likely we are to do it. So if your goal feels like it’s going to take forever to get to, move the goalposts.

Try this!

1. Let’s say your goal is to do 50 push-ups. Does that feel impossible? ID why. Maybe it’s because the number’s daunting and you’re convinced it’ll take forever to achieve. Or you don’t even know where to start. 2. Instead of focusing on all those push-ups, create a smaller goal that’s closer to where you are right now. Work toward that—five push-ups should be way more palatable. 3. Did you achieve your goal? Chances are you’re feeling pretty positive—and more likely to keep going. Think of the next step on your ultimate path. How does five more push-ups this month sound?

Let’s dive a little deeper...

No matter what the goal is—filling out that punch card, mastering push-ups, losing 20 pounds—it can be super discouraging if the ultimate goal is far away or challenging. But if you move the goalposts for what you’re trying to achieve closer, things feel pretty different.

Breaking down goals into smaller steps not only helps you build confidence that you can do what you set out to—it also builds momentum to push you forward so you keep going.