I’ve done it, you’ve done it, we’ve all done it. With the best of intentions, we set big goals for our future: get a work promotion, lose 20 pounds, run a marathon. And too often, we give up a few months later, realizing we bit off more than we could chew. Why? We get enamored with the idea but the execution? Not so much. Goals can seem straightforward, but without a specific plan or realistic milestones, they quickly fizzle out.

Big goals can quickly inspire us and make us feel like we’re putting effort into forward progress. But goals are only as good as the plans that support them. You can’t build your dream house without an architectural drawing.

New Year’s resolutions are a great example. Every January, we feel compelled to proclaim a grand milestone we’ll achieve to make our lives better—like quitting a bad habit or getting eight hours of sleep. According to a study by Strava, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Sounds familiar? That’s because while setting a goal might feel empowering, the lack of planning leaves us with nothing but good intentions.

Taavo........

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