You've Got Goals...Now How Do You Obtain Them?

The New Year is here, and I bet you’ve got big plans. Maybe it’s the year you’ll launch that business, finally get in shape, or take that dream trip. Whatever your goals are, we’re rooting for you! But before we get too far into vision boards and resolutions, let’s talk about something no one seems to focus on: the how. Not just the “hustle harder” how, but the systems and routines that actually make things happen.

If you’re like us, you’ve probably had years where you started strong. You were motivated, maybe even unstoppable—for a few weeks. And then life happened. The excitement fizzled out, and those big goals started to feel like distant dreams. Here’s the thing: it’s not that you didn’t want it badly enough. You probably just didn’t have the right systems in place.

Goals Are the Destination, Systems Are the Vehicle

Think about your goals like a road trip. The goal is your destination, the place you want to end up. But without a reliable car, a map, and maybe some snacks for the journey, you’re not getting very far. That’s what systems do. They’re the vehicle that gets you where you want to go.

James Clear, in his book 'Atomic Habits', says it best: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” That quote changed everything for us. It’s not enough to want something; you need a plan for how you’ll get there—one that works even on the days you don’t feel motivated.

Enter: The 12-Week Year

Have you ever heard of 'The 12 Week Year' by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington? If not, let us introduce you to one of the best goal-crushing tools we’ve ever come across. The premise is simple but brilliant: instead of setting annual goals, you work in 12-week cycles. Why? Because a year feels so far away. When we give ourselves 12 months to achieve something, we tend to procrastinate. But 12 weeks? That’s short enough to stay focused and long enough to make real progress.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a few (not too many!) key goals for the next 12 weeks.
• Break them down into weekly and daily actions.
• Focus on execution, not perfection.

What we love about this system is that it shifts your mindset. You stop thinking, “Oh, I have time to do that later,” and start asking, “What needs to happen today to keep me on track?”

Crafting Your Systems

So, how do you actually build these systems? Start by asking yourself a few questions:

1. What’s the smallest action I can take today? Let’s say your goal is to write a book. The end goal is daunting, but what if your system was just 30 minutes of writing every morning? That’s doable, right? Small actions compound over time.
2. What obstacles might get in my way? Life is messy, and things will come up. Anticipate those roadblocks now. If mornings are chaotic, could you write at lunch instead? If your evenings tend to vanish into Netflix binges, could you set a timer to limit screen time?
3. How can I measure progress? Systems need feedback. Are you sticking to your daily actions? How are they moving you closer to your goal? Weekly check-ins can keep you accountable and help you adjust if needed.

Don’t Forget the Why

Here’s a little secret we’ve learned: systems aren’t just about discipline; they’re about purpose. When you know why you want something, sticking to the plan feels less like a chore and more like an act of self-love. So, when you’re crafting your systems, take a moment to connect with the deeper reason behind your goal. Why does this matter to you? Write it down and revisit it often.

Permission to Pivot

One last thing, because we know how easy it is to get caught up in perfectionism: it’s okay to pivot. Systems aren’t set in stone; they’re tools you can tweak and refine. If something’s not working, adjust it. The goal is progress, not perfection.

So, here’s to 2025 being the year we stop just dreaming about our goals and start building the systems that make them a reality. You’ve got this. Let’s make it happen—one day, one step, one system at a time.