New Year, New You – Why Goals Matter and How to Finally Achieve Them
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
Eljin is a transformative personal development coach from the Midlands, England, and the visionary behind the Alignment Method programme. For over 16 years, Eljin has guided people to release what’s holding them back, rediscover their purpose, and create life-changing transformation.
New year, new you, right? Do you struggle to set goals? Do you struggle to follow through on them? Or are you someone who believes you do not believe in goals at all?
As we step into a new year, it feels appropriate to explore why so many people fail to achieve their goals, what truly gets in the way, and, most importantly, how to succeed. Drawing on over 16 years as a practitioner and having worked with over 1,000 people, I have observed clear and consistent patterns. Before we get into the how, let’s first explore why goal-setting matters.
Why goals are important
Research shows that people who set goals are up to 10 times more likely to achieve success. However, nearly 80 percent abandon their goals within weeks or months. The reasons are remarkably consistent:
Poor planning
Lack of accountability
No structured support
Something as simple as a daily to-do list can increase productivity by at least 40 percent. Writing things down makes them harder to ignore. Many people attribute success to “manifestation,” but what is actually happening is the activation of the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the part of the brain that filters information.
Once a goal is written down:
Your brain subconsciously scans for relevant opportunities
You notice resources, risks, and actions you previously filtered out
The result is improved alignment between intention and perception. When you truly make up your mind, and combine that decision with a solid plan, you begin to see avenues and opportunities that naturally lead you in that direction.
On a deeper level, goals provide direction, structure, meaning, and purpose.
“I don’t believe in goals”
Many people resist goal-setting, preferring to “live in the moment.” Living in the now is indeed fundamental for peace, happiness, and joy, but this can appear to conflict with goal-setting.
Interestingly, even those who say they do not believe in goals do have them. They simply use different languages and internal operating systems. These individuals are often highly introspective, values-driven, and focused on internal alignment, which in itself is a goal.
A common example I hear in my practice is, “I just want to be happy.” That is a valid desire, but it still requires clarity.
What does happy look like for you? What needs to change or be addressed to experience it? Why do you believe you are not happy right now?
Without definition, even happiness remains vague and difficult to achieve.
10 practical ways to achieve your goals
1. Actually set a goal
As simple as it sounds, many people have not truly decided what they want. Until you know what you want, you cannot know what to do.
2. Make it highly specific
Vague goals lead to vague behaviour.
“I want to lose weight” or “I want to make more money” is wishy-washy.
“I want to lose 1kg” or “I want to earn £5,000 by X date” creates clarity, structure, and measurable progress.
3. Know your why
Go deep. Are you moving towards something, or away from something?
Fear-driven goals feel very different from purpose-driven ones. A strong “why” will carry you through moments of resistance and difficulty.
4. Decide, is this a goal or a way of being?
Many people achieve a goal only to relapse into old patterns. Sometimes what you truly want is not a goal, but a way of life or a way of being.
5. Reveal the obstacles
Give your inner critic a voice. It is often trying to help.
List every potential obstacle you can foresee. Then write options for handling each one and the likely outcomes. This builds resilience and preparedness.
6. Identify subconscious blocks
Ask yourself honestly, why do I not already have this?
List the beliefs, memories, and assumptions holding you back. These are not truths, they are interpretations. Reframe them visually, verbally, and linguistically until they are both true and empowering.
7. Put the finish line in place before you begin
Large goals feel overwhelming when viewed as a whole. Break them down:
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Even hourly
When you can see the finish line, momentum increases.
8. Make it easy
Reduce friction wherever possible. Do what you enjoy, work at peak energy times, prepare everything in advance, and start small. One minute, one call, one page. Reward progress, even if it is simply self-recognition.
9. Use clear triggers and attachments
“Tomorrow” or “next week” is not a trigger. 9:00 AM is. Attach new behaviours to existing habits:
“After I walk the dog, I will…”
“After I shower, I will…”
You can also stack behaviours to compress time and increase efficiency.
10. Build accountability and support
Success is rarely achieved alone.
Work with a coach, mentor, or accountability partner. Surround yourself with people who are aligned, driven, and intentional. Review regularly, refine your plan, and know what to stop, delegate, or release.
Final thoughts
Success is not luck. We shape our destiny through the decisions we make and the actions we take.
The person you want to become must begin today. Growth happens moment by moment, through persistence, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. Mistakes are not failures. They are feedback.
True failure is ignoring the lesson. Success begins the moment you start, and those who succeed most are those who persist. Give it time to become normal and automatic.
Happy New Year, and here’s to clarity, alignment, and meaningful progress.
Read more from Eljin Keeling-Johnson
Eljin Keeling-Johnson, Personal Development Coach
In 2005, Eljin walked into therapy battling anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. What began as a search for healing became a profound journey of self-discovery. Emerging with a renewed sense of purpose, he dedicated his life to helping others find their true selves and step into their full potential. Over the past 16 years, Eljin has delivered more than 16,000 hours of transformative coaching, blending conscious, subconscious, and unconscious work to create deep, lasting change. As the visionary behind the Alignment Method programme, his mission is simple yet powerful, to help people connect, grow, and thrive.
