How to Create Realistic Goals and Actually Achieve Them

Did you know that by writing down your goals, you're 43% more likely to achieve them? That’s right—simply putting pen to paper could be the first big step toward crushing your goals and taking your business to the next level. But for so many of us, the process still feels overwhelming.

If you’ve found yourself drowning in hopes, aspirations, and challenges—unsure how to even begin sorting through it all—you’re not alone. I used to feel the same. Every year, I felt paralyzed by the pressure to create the "perfect" goals. I pushed myself hard, chasing results while sacrificing my peace of mind. Sound familiar?

After years of trial and (a lot of) error, I've created a system that not only sets me up to achieve my goals but also helps reduce the stress that comes with them. This isn’t just another trendy productivity tip—it’s a tried-and-true approach that’s deeply personalized and achievable. And I’m here to share it with you.

Step 1: Empty Your Mind—Start with a Brain Dump

The first thing you need is clarity. To get there, grab a notebook or piece of paper, and jot down everything on your mind—issues, desires, and ambitions. Don’t overthink it, and don’t worry about neatness. The goal here is to offload all of the mental clutter weighing you down.

Whether it’s a profit dip in your vacation rental properties, a desire to balance work and life better, or learning a new skill, write it all down. Once you see it on paper, you’ll likely feel lighter—and more prepared to tackle whatever comes next.

Step 2: Create Themes and Spot Patterns

Now that everything is out of your mind, you’re going to notice some recurring themes. Start grouping similar ideas together. For example, if you wrote about "revenue drops" in your short-term rental business, it might tie to concerns about maintenance costs or a lack of emergency savings.

Here’s where this step becomes powerful—you’ll start identifying the real issues behind what’s consuming your time and energy. Patterns and repeated items in your list signal the areas demanding your attention.

Step 3: Align Problems with Aspirations

This is where things get motivating. It’s not enough to just solve problems—you need to align your aspirations alongside them. For instance, if one of your problems is needing more income and your aspiration is to feel valued in your work, finding a solution that addresses both will keep you energized and focused.

Focusing on your big-picture aspirations ensures that problem-solving doesn’t burn you out. Instead, it becomes an inspiring process toward achieving what you really want.

Step 4: Define Goals that Actually Work—Go SMART

We’ve all been there—setting vague, aimless goals like “earn more income” or “improve my rental properties.” These kinds of goals might sound fine at first glance, but they lack the structure and clarity needed to track progress.

Instead, use the SMART framework for your goals:

• Specific – Be clear about what will happen.
• Measurable – Include metrics to track your progress.
• Achievable – Ensure the goal is realistic with your resources.
• Relevant – Focus on goals that align with your priorities.
• Time-bound – Give yourself a deadline.

For example:

• Weak goal: "Create a co-hosting company."
• SMART goal: "Earn at least $100,000 in revenue from co-hosting by December 31, 2025."

Suddenly, these ambitions become tangible targets you can work toward with confidence.

Step 5: Craft a Flexible Roadmap—Action Planning

Goals without action are just dreams. This step involves breaking your goals into actionable steps—a roadmap to guide you. But here’s the catch: Life will throw surprises at you, so don’t aim for perfection. Your roadmap should be flexible and updated regularly.

For instance, if one step is to "make your property dog-friendly to attract guests," don't stop at just enabling the "pet-friendly" filter. Go deeper—research dog-friendly amenities, create a list of local attractions, and hire a lifestyle photographer to highlight these features in your listing.

A strong action plan bridges the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

Step 6: Track Your Progress and Adjust

Tracking is key. Regularly review your goals, action steps, and momentum. Celebrate small wins to keep motivation strong, and be okay with adjusting when necessary. Progress isn’t linear—what matters is staying intentional.

For instance, I use a tool like Asana to track my plans and keep everything organized. Pick a system that works for you, whether it’s a digital platform or good ol’ sticky notes, and stick to it.

Keep Moving Forward

Setting goals can feel overwhelming, but by following these steps—clearing your mind, aligning aspirations, creating SMART goals, and crafting a roadmap—it becomes downright empowering.

Whether you’re looking to optimize your vacation rentals or striving for better work-life balance, this system will help. It's not about perfection—it’s about progress, one actionable step at a time.

What’s your most pressing goal this year? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear about it and cheer you on!