Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

It’s easy to set a goal. It’s hard to stick to it. In fact, most people don’t stick to the goals they set. How many people actually stick to their new year’s resolutions?

Here’s why you’re not sticking to your goals…

1. Your “Why” is Weak

Making a change isn’t easy. Why do you want to make a change? Your “why” should be powerful.

Let’s assume your goal is to lose weight. Why do you want to lose weight? “For health reasons” is a bad answer. It’s boring. It’s weak. It’s not inspiring. Here are stronger reasons: to look better naked, to feel more confident, to live longer, to have more energy, to set a good example for my friends/family and to inspire them to lead healthier lifestyles.

Make sure you have a powerful “why”.

2. You’re Thinking Short-term

I don’t like the word goal. I prefer habit. A goal can be short-term. A habit is long-term. You’re more likely to stick to a goal if you’re thinking long-term.

Let’s assume your goal is to lose 10 pounds. If you’re thinking short-term you’ll try a crash diet that promises fast weight loss. You’ll do what most people do. You’ll go on the diet, lose some weight, go back to your regular eating habits and gain back all the weight you lost. You’ll then try a different crash diet and repeat this cycle.

Instead you should be thinking long-term. You should find a diet that you can actually stick to and maintain long-term. You should find a diet you’re okay following for the next year or two.

3. Your Goals Are Unrealistic

If you set an unrealistic goal you’re more likely to fail. It’s better to set a small goal and achieve it. Once you achieve a small goal you can set bigger goals. But if you start with a big goal and fail you’ll give up.

Only commit to a realistic goal. A goal you can actually achieve. And if you have a big goal break it down into smaller goals.

4. You’re Trying To Make Too Many Changes Too Fast

This is a recipe for disaster. People often set many goals at once. They want fast results so they try to make too many changes at the same time. Then they feel overwhelmed and give up on all their goals.

Stick to one or two goals. Focus on making small changes. Make a gradual transition. You’re more likely to stick with it. Also keep in mind that small changes add up over time.

5. You’re Ignoring Your Environment

Making a change is tough. It’s even tougher when your environment is not supportive of the change you’re trying to make.

Let’s assume your goal is to lose weight and you’re trying to avoid junk food. Having junk food in your kitchen at home is a bad idea. It’s an environmental cue. When you’re hungry, walk into your kitchen, see the junk food, you’re likely to eat it.

Make sure your environment is in alignment with your goals. Make sure your environment supports the changes you’re trying to make.

6. You’re Trying To Do It On Your Own

If you’re trying to achieve a goal on your own you’re doing it the hard way. You might feel motivated at first. Yet sooner or later that initial motivation will fade away. And you’ll run into obstacles. At that point if you don’t have support or accountability from other people you’ll give up.

This is why you must seek support and build accountability early on. Whatever your goal is, find a like-minded individual or community for support. It’s easy to lose weight when you have a relative or a friend doing it with you. It’s easy to stick to it if you told your friends and family about it early on. They’ll keep you accountable. They’ll ask you from time to time how you’re doing. And if you give up you’ll have to explain to them why you didn’t stick with it.

It’s easier to stick to your goal when you have support and accountability.

7. You Want Fast Results

If you’re like most people you want results and want them fast. So you set a goal, then you realize it might take longer than you thought, you get frustrated and give up.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes to achieve your goal. What matters is that you’re sticking to it. Focus on making small changes. Those changes add up. Pay attention to the small improvements you’re making. And the results will come sooner or later.

Take Action: Set a goal. Do one thing today to get you closer to your goal. Want some accountability? Or need some advice? Share your goal in a comment below.