Why You’re Struggling to Achieve Your Goals and How to Fix It in 2025

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Have you ever felt frustrated because you couldn’t achieve your goals despite working hard? The problem might not be your lack of effort—it might be the type of goals you’re setting.

Most of us set outcome-based goals, like “I want to achieve financial freedom by the end of this year.” These goals focus on the results we want but overlook a critical factor: we can’t control the exact timing of outcomes.

Photo by Viridiana Rivera on pexels

Instead, consider setting input-based goals that focus on what you can control. For example, instead of saying, “I want financial freedom,” try saying, “I will save more, grow my income streams, and manage my money better.”

The Difference Between Outcome-Based and Input-Based Goals

The difference is simple but powerful:

  • Outcome-based goals rely on results and timelines, which we can’t always control.
  • Input-based goals focus on our actions, which are fully within our control.

Here’s an example:

  • Outcome-based goal: “I want to lose 20 pounds by June.”
  • Input-based goal: “I will exercise 4 times a week, meal prep on Sundays, and drink more water every day.”

The second approach keeps you motivated because it’s actionable, trackable, and doesn’t depend on unpredictable factors like how your body responds to weight loss.

Why Input-Based Goals Work Better

When you focus on inputs, you build daily habits that move you closer to your desired outcomes. You might not be able to guarantee financial freedom by December 31st, but if you consistently save, invest, and work on growing your income, you’ll eventually get there.

Inputs are actionable, measurable, and motivate you to keep going. They reduce the stress of trying to predict outcomes and empower you to stay disciplined and consistent.

How to Get Started

  1. Identify the Result You Want: Start by clarifying your big-picture goal.
  2. Break It Down Into Inputs: Ask yourself, “What actions will lead to this result?” For financial freedom, this might include creating a budget, increasing savings, or starting a side hustle.
  3. Set SMART Input Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, “I will save $500 every month” or “I will dedicate 2 hours every weekend to learning a new skill.”
  4. Track Your Inputs: Focus on what you do daily or weekly rather than worrying about when the results will appear. Use tools like a habit tracker, planner, or app to measure progress.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Switching to input-based goals might feel different at first. You may be tempted to measure success by outcomes instead of efforts. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you stick to your input-based actions, acknowledge it. Progress builds momentum.
  • Stay Flexible: Life happens. If you miss a day or two, adjust and get back on track without guilt.
  • Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend or community for encouragement and support.

Shift Your Focus Today

Success is not about setting lofty goals—it’s about taking consistent, meaningful action. So, as you plan for 2025, ask yourself: are your goals input-based or outcome-based?

Start today: set one input-based goal that you can commit to. Share it in the comments, and let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

Example Input-Based Goals to Inspire You:

  • “I will read for 20 minutes every morning to improve my knowledge.”
  • “I will save $100 every week to build my emergency fund.”
  • “I will dedicate 30 minutes daily to exercising and improving my health.”

Remember, it’s not about how quickly you reach the finish line. It’s about staying consistent on the path that leads there.

Let’s make 2025 the year of action and results!

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