Goals vs. Motivation....or is it Discipline & Consistency?

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Goals are powerful tools that bring a sense of accomplishment when achieved. They provide us with a sense of purpose, and build confidence, and belief in our abilities—both in the short term and long term. When we set a goal that we truly desire, not one imposed by someone else, it becomes a force of motivation.

But what makes a goal achievable? How do we make sure that our goals aren’t just dreams, but milestones we can actively pursue?

First Tip for Goal Setting: Make it Achievable.

Whether it’s a long-term goal or a short-term goal, it’s important that it feels attainable. There’s no sense in setting yourself up for failure by aiming for something too out of reach. Break it down into manageable chunks, and make sure that the steps to achieve it are clear.

Second Tip: Align Goals with Your Values.

Goals that resonate with your core values are far more likely to be achieved. Why? Because they connect to something deeper than the surface level. The journey toward these goals is the real prize. The growth, the lessons, and the change that happens along the way—that’s where the real success lies, not just in the destination.

Let’s say someone sets a goal to run a marathon. At first glance, it might seem like just a fitness challenge — a surface-level goal. But if that goal aligns with a deeper core value, like personal growth, resilience, or discipline, it becomes so much more meaningful.

Maybe they struggled with self-doubt in the past, or they want to prove to themselves that they can stick with something hard. Every early morning run, every ache, every setback — it's all part of a transformation that goes far beyond crossing the finish line.

Even if they didn’t complete the marathon (injury, weather, whatever), they still win in a huge way because they’ve become someone more confident, consistent, and mentally stronger.

Third Tip:  Put a Completion Date on Your Goals.

An achievable timeframe is crucial to set the ball in motion. Without a clear deadline, it’s easy to push things off or lose momentum. Putting a completion date on your goal gives you a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. It’s the spark you need to transform intention into action.

So, as we move into April, I want you to think about your goals.

What do you want to achieve this year? Whether you’re already well on your way or just getting started, now is a great time to reflect on how you’re progressing. For me, achieving a goal is always rewarding, but I’ve realised that the real value is in the experience I gain along the way—the process itself. The small steps, the setbacks, and the triumphs all lead to growth.

Last year, a personal goal of mine was to increase my fitness and strengthen my body. I’d been managing some long-term injuries, so small steps were required—literally. I started with a simple plan: walking first thing in the morning. That small habit led to tracking my distance, gradually increasing how far I went, and eventually rediscovering bush tracks I hadn’t explored in a long time.

Along the way, a friendship formed. I found a like-minded hiking buddy, and together we worked to boost our fitness even further. Our shared goal? To conquer the Tongariro Crossing. Looking back, it’s huge to think about how far I’ve come from where I started.

And honestly, this is only the beginning. New goals have already been set—so watch this space!

Take a moment and reflect on what you’ve achieved so far. Even the tiniest actions you’ve taken have contributed to who you are today. You might not even realise how far you’ve come until you pause and look back.

Now, with one goal ticked off, another one takes its place.

Goals are not static—they evolve. Whether they’re goals for the month, six months, or a year ahead, keep them fluid. And most importantly, continue to push forward with discipline and consistency. That’s where true progress comes from: not just motivation, but the commitment to stay on track, even when the initial excitement fades.

So, how are you setting your goals this year? What steps will you take to make them a reality? Let’s talk about it in the comments or, even better, act and start that first step today.

Here’s to growth, consistency, and the journey ahead!

Back to Balance,

Lee

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