How to Set Personal Goals That Actually Work
Most people set goals with good intentions. But a few weeks later, those goals are forgotten — buried under work, distractions, and lack of motivation.
The problem? Your goals probably aren’t personal enough, clear enough, or tied to any real accountability. Let’s fix that.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Vague goals lead to vague results — be specific.
- Personal meaning boosts motivation and consistency.
- Accountability makes it real. Stakes make it stick.
What Makes a Goal Actually Work?
Goals that work usually share three qualities: they’re specific, meaningful, and measurable. "Get fit" means nothing. "Run 3 times a week for 30 minutes"? That’s a goal.
When your goal is personal — tied to your own identity, values, or pain points — you’re much more likely to care enough to follow through.
3 Ways to Make Your Goal Stick
1. Make It Specific ✍️
"Be healthier" is vague. "Walk 10,000 steps every day before 8pm" is clear. The more specific your goal, the easier it is to act on.
2. Give It Personal Meaning ❤️
Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Tie it to your identity or values — not just surface-level desires.
3. Add Real Accountability 💸
External pressure beats willpower. Share your goal. Bet on it. Use an app like FailFund to add financial consequences.
FailFund Helps You Follow Through
With FailFund, you don’t just set goals — you stake money on them. You can’t ignore your plan when failure means paying the price.
Set your goal, add your pledge, choose your consequence, and get to work. Simple, scary, effective.
Example: Personal Fitness Goal
Set a goal to walk 10,000 steps daily for 30 days. Miss a day? Lose £10. Suddenly, your walk isn’t optional — it’s a financial priority.
TL;DR
- Set personal, specific, and meaningful goals.
- Add accountability and consequences with FailFund.
- Stop letting goals slide. Make them stick.