The 4 factors we cannot ignore when we go after our goals

One thing I hear over and over in my training sessions is about goal achievement. Not goal setting—most people know what they want and can set a goal. The problem? Getting there. And often, the struggle boils down to one thing: clarity. Without clear, specific details, that goal will just sit there, waiting. So, how do you bring more clarity to the goals you want to achieve? Here’s what I’ve found works:

1. State the Goal in the Positive: Focus on what you want to move toward, not away from. Your mind doesn’t register “don’t” well. If I say, “Don’t think of a black cat,” what happens? There’s a black cat in your head! Think about it: “Quit smoking” gives attention to smoking. A positive goal like “living a healthier lifestyle” encourages action toward what you want. Shift your mind in that direction.

2. Get Detailed: When your goal has details, it becomes a vision—something to “buy into.” A vague goal creates resistance. Imagine someone saying they want a “better job.” But what does that mean? More money? Different location? Better hours? Vague goals create barriers. Instead, picture the exact role, with the ideal salary, workplace, and hours. Clarity brings motivation because now, it’s a goal you can see, hear, and feel.

3. Break It Down into Steps: Huge goals can feel overwhelming, like a mountain in the distance. But break them into steps, and it’s like having an off-ramp on the highway. Think about how convenient things have become because of simplified steps: Amazon’s one-click, ATM machines, pizza delivery—each an “off-ramp” that makes action easy. When we add steps to our goals, we create our own off-ramps, making those big dreams feel reachable.

4. Set Deadlines: Deadlines are powerful. They don’t exist to stress you out; they focus you. Think about why Christmas Eve is such a frantic shopping day—because it’s a deadline that won’t budge. When you set deadlines for both your big goals and the steps toward them, you’re more likely to stay on track and less likely to procrastinate.

When we give our goals clarity, we don’t just plan; we engage. We’re present in the process, recognizing opportunities instead of distractions.

“Without clarity, the path is hidden. With it, the journey becomes inevitable.”

Tony Ragoonanan is the Founder of  V-Formation Training & Development. As a  Performance Management Specialist and Emotional Intelligence Trainer, he helps individuals and organizations to align people, frameworks and outcomes. Outside of this, it’s all about family,  football, and fitness!!

868-681-3492 | tonyr0909@gmail.com