How to Achieve Success by Setting the Right Goals

How to Achieve Success by Setting the Right Goals

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How to Achieve Success by Setting the Right Goals

Why Set Goals in the First Place?

Setting goals gives your life direction and helps you stay focused on what really matters. Goals can be anything—financial (like saving for a down payment), personal (like traveling more), or lifestyle-oriented (like finally house hacking your way to mortgage-free living).

But it’s not enough to want something. You need a system to get it.

The Power of Writing Your Goals Down

Here's a game-changer: Research shows you’re up to 70% more likely to reach your goals if you write them down. Seriously—just putting pen to paper can massively increase your odds of success.

So before you dive into tactics, grab a notebook or your favorite app and write down what you want to achieve in 2024.

Start with Your Why

Before setting specific goals, ask yourself:

• What’s motivating me?

• What do I want my life to look like a year from now?

• Why is this important to me?

Knowing your why is what keeps you going when things get hard. Whether it’s achieving financial freedom, creating a better life for your family, or finally owning your dream home—clarify it and keep it front and center.

How to Set SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym that helps you create goals that are actually achievable. Here's how it breaks down:

1. S – Specific

Vague: “I want to get fit.”
Specific: “I want to run a half-marathon by June.”

For house hacking or real estate:
“I want to save $25,000 for a down payment by December.”

2. M – Measurable

You need to track your progress. If your goal is to save $25K this year, that’s about $2,100/month. Break it down into bite-sized monthly targets.

3. A – Achievable

Your goal should stretch you, but still be realistic. Buying a beachfront home this year might not be doable—but a small multifamily property in a good location? That’s a solid start.

4. R – Relevant

Your goals need to align with your bigger vision. If your dream is to own a rental property, training for a marathon might not help much (unless it's part of your overall wellness vision). Keep your goals aligned with your life mission.

5. T – Time-bound

Deadlines matter. Without one, your goals just float in space. Set a date: "I’ll have $25,000 saved by December 1st." That urgency keeps you moving.

Reflect on the Past Year

To set better goals, look back at your previous year:

• What worked?

• What didn’t?

• What can I improve?

This reflection helps you set realistic goals and prevents repeating past mistakes. For example, if you consistently overspent in certain areas, adjust your budget goals accordingly.

Write a Letter to Your Future Self

This one’s fun and powerful: Write a letter to yourself, dated one year from now. Start with:
“Dear Me, I’m so proud that you bought that investment property this year…”

Be bold. Be specific. Visualize the future you want—and speak it into existence.

Create a Vision Board

We swear by this method: craft a physical or digital vision board filled with images and words that represent your goals for the year.

Their 2024 board includes everything from personal goals like a “happy, healthy family,” to a white Volkswagen Atlas (seriously—down to the color). And guess what? When you see it every day, your subconscious mind starts working toward it.

What Gets Measured, Gets Managed

Whether it's finances, fitness, or home ownership, monthly check-ins are essential. If you’re off-track one month, adjust the next.

Accountability is key. Talk to a partner, a coach, or a real estate agent—someone who can keep you focused, motivated, and honest.

Real Estate Goals? Get a Coach (aka Your Realtor)

If one of your goals this year is to buy a home or start house hacking, connect with a real estate agent early—even if you’re a year or two away from buying.

Think of them like a coach: they’ll help create a game plan, track your progress, and help you reach the goal of homeownership. And that first meeting? It’s all about vision casting and planning, not just jumping into home tours.

You’ve Got This

The year will fly by. So take a moment now to define what success looks like for you. Whether you’re saving for your first home, starting your house hacking journey, or just want to be more intentional—clarity and consistency are your best friends.