We’ve all been there. You set a big, ambitious goal—maybe it’s to finally get in shape, learn a new skill, or finish that side project—and for a while, you’re on fire. Then life happens, motivation fades, and that goal quietly joins the graveyard of “I’ll get to it someday.”

Here’s the thing: goals don’t stick just because they’re exciting. They stick when they’re meaningful, manageable, and tied to habits that build momentum over time.

First, make your goals meaningful. Don’t just set a goal because it sounds impressive. The best goals align with your values and what matters most to you. If a goal doesn’t resonate deeply, it’s easy to abandon it when things get tough. Ask yourself: Why does this matter to me? If you can’t answer that, it might not be the right goal.

Once you’ve got a meaningful goal, break it down. Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them doable. Focus on what you can do daily. Small, consistent actions compound into big results over time. Want to run a marathon? Start with a 10-minute jog. Building a product? Dedicate 15 minutes to planning each day.

This is where habits come into play. Habits are the engine that drives your goals forward, even when motivation runs dry. Start small—really small. There’s a concept called the 2-minute rule: make the habit so easy it feels almost silly. Want to write a book? Start by writing a single sentence each day. Once the habit is in motion, you can build from there.

The secret is consistency over intensity. A meaningful goal, broken down into tiny, actionable habits, is far more powerful than a grand resolution that fizzles out.