Why Achieving Goals is So Challenging: Understanding the Struggle

We’ve all been there. You set a goal with the best of intentions—perhaps to exercise regularly, eat healthier, or finally finish that passion project. But despite your motivation and initial enthusiasm, somewhere along the way, progress stalls. You hit a roadblock, life gets busy, or the goal starts to feel less attainable than when you first dreamed it up. It’s a frustrating cycle, leaving many people feeling disheartened and questioning their ability to achieve their dreams. 

The emotional weight of repeated failure can be overwhelming, leading to a cycle of disappointment and even self-doubt. This is where understanding the deeper reasons behind goal-setting challenges can make all the difference. Why do so many people struggle to stick to their goals? And what can be done to change this pattern?

The Science of Goal-Setting: What Research Tells Us

Studies show that while setting goals is relatively easy, achieving them is an entirely different story. Research from the University of Scranton indicates that only 8% of people who set New Year's resolutions actually follow through with them. So why is it so hard? Psychologists point to several reasons:

1. Lack of Clarity and Specificity: Goals that are vague or poorly defined are hard to achieve because it’s difficult to know when you’re making progress. A goal like “lose weight” is too broad to measure effectively, while a goal like “lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising four times a week” is more specific and trackable.

2. Lack of Accountability: When we’re the only ones holding ourselves accountable, it’s easy to let things slide. Studies have shown that individuals are 65% more likely to meet a goal if they commit to someone else. That number jumps to 95% when they schedule ongoing check-ins with a coach or mentor.

3. Emotional Barriers and Self-Sabotage: The fear of failure, low self-confidence, or even past trauma can prevent people from taking the necessary steps to achieve their goals. Many people subconsciously avoid pursuing their goals to protect themselves from the emotional pain of not succeeding.

To overcome these barriers, experts recommend strategies like setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), using visualization techniques to reinforce positive outcomes, and engaging in regular accountability check-ins. Incorporating these science-backed methods can significantly improve the chances of turning goals into reality.

How "Dream to Done" Helps You Conquer These Challenges

My workbook, Dream to Done, was created specifically to address these common challenges in goal-setting and achievement. The workbook provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help you:

- Define Clear and Achievable Goals: With targeted exercises, the workbook helps you get clear on “what” you want and “why” it matters to you, which is crucial for staying motivated.

- Create a Personalized Action Plan: Using the SMART framework and additional tools, you’ll break down your big goals into manageable steps, making the path to success clearer.

- Overcome Emotional Barriers: Reflective questions and mindset strategies will help you identify and overcome any self-sabotaging behaviors or limiting beliefs that may have held you back in the past.

- Stay Accountable: Through progress-tracking templates and built-in accountability exercises, you’ll keep yourself on track, boosting your chances of success exponentially.

Whether you’re looking to achieve personal growth, career advancement, or any other meaningful goal, Dream to Done provides the tools and insights you need to succeed.

Ready to Achieve Your Dreams? Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of setting goals only to fall short, download the Dream to Done workbook today at this link

And if you’d like personalized support, I invite you to schedule a discovery session with me to explore how coaching can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams. Schedule your session here

Final Thoughts

Remember, achieving your dreams isn’t about luck or willpower. It’s about having the right strategies, mindset, and support in place. You’ve tried to do it alone before—now it’s time to try something new. Let Dream to Done guide you from where you are to where you want to be.