Why Most Goal-Setting Approaches Fail
Updated January 2026 with current statistics and research
Here we are.
New year, new anxiety about goal-setting. January brings this predictable pressure to transform ourselves, fix our flaws, and finally become the people we think we should be. The enthusiasm is there, but so is the nagging doubt about whether any of it will actually stick.
Yet data shows that only 13.1% of New Year’s resolutions survive beyond four months. One underlying reason is that we often frame our goals through a negative filter – focusing on fixing problems or improving our (perceived) shortcomings rather than building on what’s already going well.
When your goals are rooted in fixing yourself, one slip-up feels like proof you’re failing. Skipped a workout? You’re lazy. Forgot to meal prep? You’re disorganized. That shame spiral kills motivation faster than anything. But approach goals from a place of possibility instead of deficiency, and you’re more likely to dust yourself off and keep moving forward.
Your Goals Are Rooted in Self-Criticism
Most resolutions sound something like this: “I must exercise more.” “I need to stop spending money.” “I should be happier.” Hear the self-criticism baked into every statement? You’re essentially telling yourself that you’re lazy, financially irresponsible, or emotionally deficient. Instead of thinking about what you’re already doing well or where you want to grow, you’re just cataloging everything that’s supposedly broken about you.
This negative framing can feel overwhelming because it makes success seem like an all-or-nothing proposition. If we stumble, by skipping a workout or procrastinating on a task, it’s easy to see that as a failure, which can sap motivation. Instead of encouraging progress, these negative goals often make us feel stuck, reinforcing a cycle of guilt and self-doubt.
What if you flipped that around? Instead of goals that feel like punishment, create ones that actually energize you. Take “I need to stop procrastinating”. That’s just you beating yourself up. Try “I’ll spend 10 focused minutes each morning on my most important task” instead. Or swap “I have to lose weight” for “I’ll move my body for five minutes a day in ways that feel good.”
See the difference? These aren’t just word games. When you frame goals positively, they actually become easier to achieve. Small steps feel doable instead of overwhelming. You start building momentum instead of drowning in guilt. And here’s the best part: you’re not trying to “fix” yourself anymore. You’re growing, learning, and moving forward – one purposeful action at a time.
Okay, so negative framing doesn’t work. But surely there’s a proven framework that does, right? Enter SMART goals. The gold standard we’ve all been taught to follow. Except there’s a problem: they don’t actually work as well as we’ve been led to believe.
Why SMART Goals Fall Short
SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely – have long been a traditional goal-setting framework, particularly in the business world. On paper, they seem like a logical roadmap to crafting actionable and structured goals.
However, research suggests that SMART goals may not be as effective as we think. A large-scale study on New Year’s resolutions conducted in December 2020 found that participants who were taught to use SMART goals reported less success with their resolutions than those who used alternative methods.
Why does this happen? Part of the issue lies in the framework itself. Take “Achievable” and “Realistic,” for example. These criteria often feel redundant. If a goal is achievable, isn’t it already realistic? This is why many people have changed “Realistic” to “Relatable or Relevant.” But it still doesn’t make sense – 1) Because if something is to be achievable, it stands to reason that the goal should be realistic/relatable/relevant. And 2) It fails because “Achievable and Realistic” are not innovation enablers. Dare I say, they are encouraging the status quo. SMART goals do not exactly embrace stretch goals or thinking out of the box.
Your Goals are About Emotions, Not Robots
But here’s the bigger issue with SMART goals: they’re all about structure and completely ignore mindset. Sure, goals need to be clear and measurable. But if the framework doesn’t address the emotional and psychological side of actually doing the work, what’s the point?
When goals are just metrics to hit, they feel like checking boxes on someone else’s to-do list. Take “Lose 20lbs in 2026.” Measurable? Yes. Time-bound? Absolutely. Inspiring? Not even close. There’s nothing in that goal that connects to why it matters or what it’ll actually feel like to achieve it.
Now try this instead: “Prioritize my health by preparing nutritious meals and moving my body three times a week.”
See what happened there? You went from the pressure and shame of “losing weight” to the positive action of taking care of yourself. The reframed version gives you specific steps to take, connects to a bigger purpose, and actually feels achievable instead of punishing.
The reality is that if you want to set goals that actually drive change, you need to ditch the rigid frameworks. Structure has its place, but it’s not enough. Your goals shouldn’t be simply “realistic” or “measurable” – they need to energize you. They need to connect to what actually matters in your life. Use language that inspires you, not language that sounds like it came from a corporate manual. Make sure every action you’re taking feels intentional and meaningful, not like you’re just going through the motions.
How to Actually Set Goals That Stick
Changing how you set goals isn’t just about rewriting a few sentences. It’s about shifting your entire mindset—creating one that actually supports you instead of setting you up to fail. When you focus on positivity and purposeful action, you give yourself a real shot at maintaining momentum.
Here’s how to make it happen, with real examples you can use:
- Reframe Negative Statements into Positive Intentions
Instead of saying, “I need to stop being disorganized,” try reframing it as “I will dedicate 10 minutes each day to tidying my desk.” This small, positive action shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s possible, making the goal feel achievable and uplifting. - Visualize Success Through Small Wins
Let’s say your goal is to create better online courses. Instead of aiming for “a flawless, award-winning design,” focus on smaller wins, like “Create one highly interactive activity for an upcoming course.” Celebrate that accomplishment to build confidence and encourage steady progress. - Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
If your goal is to improve communication, engage with colleagues who model great interpersonal skills. Create a goal to join a peer group or a networking event to connect with others who inspire you to grow. - Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
For example, if you’re working on becoming more organized, take a few moments each day to appreciate what you’ve accomplished so far. Reflect on how even small steps, like updating your calendar, have made a difference in your day. - Embrace Growth and Experimentation
If your goal is to stay up to date on new technologies, commit to attending a webinar or testing out a free trial of a trending tool each quarter. For example, you might explore new software (compare CreateStudio to Powtoons) and play with the different interactive features. Even if you decide not to adopt it, the experience keeps you informed and ready to recommend tools or techniques that could enhance your work.
- Set Intentions, Not Just Goals
Instead of “I want to increase learning engagement by 15%,” try “I want to create learning experiences where people actually want to show up and participate.” The first one is something you report to your boss. The second one is something that actually gets you excited to do the work. - Create a Positive Environment for Yourself
Let’s say you’re working on staying productive. A clutter-free workspace, a motivating playlist, or inspirational quotes can help you create a physical and mental environment that supports your goals.
When you build goals around positive actions and actually celebrate the small wins along the way, goal-setting stops feeling like a chore. It becomes something you want to do. And here’s the thing, you’re not chasing perfection. You’re building habits, taking consistent steps, and creating real change that actually sticks.
Make This the Year You See Goal Setting Success
Goal-setting doesn’t have to be a guilt trip disguised as self-improvement. You don’t need another list reminding you of everything that’s supposedly wrong with you. When you approach goals from a place of possibility instead of deficiency, everything changes. They become achievable. They actually inspire you. And most importantly, they stick.
Start small. Focus on what you can do, not what you “should” do. Reframe your goals in ways that energize you instead of drain you. Celebrate the progress you make, even when it feels tiny. Try things without being afraid to stumble. And make sure what you’re working toward actually matters to you—not to your boss, not to Instagram, not to whoever invented the idea that you need to be “fixed.”
When you set goals this way, you’re not just making a plan. You’re building real momentum toward growth and change that lasts.
So let’s ditch the pressure of impossible resolutions this year. Set goals that excite you instead of exhaust you. With a mindset focused on what’s possible and small, intentional steps forward, 2026 can be the year you actually follow through. Not because you have to, but because you want to.
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