How To Actually Achieve Your Goals in 2025

Summary

This video challenges the traditional approach to New Year goals, highlighting that 92% of people give up within the year. It proposes a more effective method: setting short-term, action-based goals that can be tracked quarterly, creating a sense of urgency and accountability. By breaking big yearly goals into smaller, achievable steps, individuals can measure their progress consistently. The video advocates for a shift in mindset—where goals are not just about results, but about consistent action and regular evaluation. Ultimately, it emphasizes that success comes not from wishing but from having a clear, actionable plan and reviewing progress regularly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Annual goals often fail because they lack urgency and are too far away, making it easy to procrastinate.
• 😀 92% of people will give up on their New Year's resolutions by the end of the year.
• 😀 The key to success is rethinking how you set goals—don’t just stick with outdated, ineffective methods.
• 😀 Short-term goals with a sense of urgency are more effective than long-term, vague resolutions.
• 😀 Quarterly goals (12-week year) help track progress and make it easier to course-correct.
• 😀 Break your yearly goal into four smaller, manageable mini-goals for each quarter of the year.
• 😀 Action-based goals are more effective than result-based goals—focus on what you can control.
• 😀 Instead of saying, 'I want to lose 10 lbs,' say, 'I will hit the gym 180 times this year.'
• 😀 You become what you measure—track your progress regularly to stay on course.
• 😀 A goal without a plan is just a wish—without measurable actions, goals lack direction.
• 😀 Regular reviews (at least quarterly) are essential to stay accountable and ensure you stay on track.

Q & A

Why do most people fail to achieve their New Year's goals?

Most people fail because they set vague, unrealistic, or long-term goals without actionable steps. They also lack a system to track their progress, leading to procrastination and eventual abandonment of their resolutions.

What does Einstein's definition of madness have to do with goal-setting?

Einstein's definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This relates to goal-setting because most people repeat the same approach each year, yet fail to see change because they don't alter their methods.

What is the 12-Wee Year, and why is it important for goal-setting?

The 12-Wee Year is a framework where you set goals with a 12-week timeline instead of a full year. This shorter timeline creates urgency, keeps you focused, and allows for regular progress tracking, making it more effective than traditional annual goals.

Why is setting annual goals considered ineffective?

Annual goals are often ineffective because they give people too much time, which reduces urgency. This lack of urgency leads to procrastination, and people may not start working on their goals until it's too late.

What are the benefits of breaking down a goal into quarterly objectives?

Breaking a goal into quarterly objectives makes it more manageable, creates a sense of urgency, and allows for regular evaluation. It helps you stay on track and adjust your strategy if needed, preventing you from losing focus over the year.

What is the key difference between action-based and results-based goals?

Action-based goals focus on specific actions you can control, like 'I will work out 180 times this year,' while results-based goals focus on outcomes that may not be directly within your control, like 'I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of the year.'

How can I make my goal more SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound)?

To make your goal SMART, ensure it's specific (clearly defined), measurable (you can track progress), actionable (within your control), realistic (achievable), and time-bound (with a clear deadline). For example, 'I will create 36 videos this year' is a SMART goal.

Why is it important to review progress regularly when working toward a goal?

Regular reviews are crucial because they help you stay accountable, track your progress, and make adjustments if necessary. Without measuring progress, it’s easy to drift off course, which is why consistent reflection is key to success.

What happens if I only achieve 2 out of my 4 quarterly goals?

Even if you achieve only two out of four quarterly goals, you will still be significantly ahead of most people who don't track their progress or abandon their goals entirely. The key is progress, not perfection.

How can I apply the 12-Wee Year framework to other areas of my life, like relationships or finances?

The 12-Wee Year framework can be applied to any area of life by breaking down large, long-term goals into smaller, actionable, and measurable quarterly objectives. For instance, you could set quarterly savings targets or relationship-building activities that align with your larger yearly goal.