How to Set Goals, Stick to Them, and Actually Achieve Them

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels, wanting more from life but not sure how to get there? Maybe you’ve set goals in the past, only to watch them fade beneath a pile of everyday responsibilities, self-doubt, or fear of failing (again).
You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.
At Newpath Hypnotherapy, we work with women every day who know they want change but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Whether it’s career, health, confidence, or relationships, the first step is building a mindset and strategy that actually supports you.
This guide will show you how to set powerful, aligned goals, and more importantly, how to stick to them using a blend of evidence-based coaching tools, visualisation, and practical hypnotherapy techniques.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want
This isn’t just about ambition. It’s about creating a life that feels good to live. Clarity is the antidote to chaos. Without it, your mind defaults to “busy”, not purposeful.
Ask yourself:
- What does success look like for me?
- What lights me up?
- What do I want more (or less) of in my life?
Free-write it all down. Then, circle the top 3–5 goals that matter most. These are the foundation of your future.
Now turn them into SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Example: Instead of “Be healthier,” try “Walk 4 times a week and cut sugar by 50% in 30 days.”
Step 2: Break It Down
Every goal needs structure, not pressure. Think of it like building a house. You start with the foundation, then the frame, then the details.
Under each main goal, write down 3–5 micro-steps, the things that create progress without overwhelm. These actions build confidence and momentum.
Step 3: Use Visualisation to Train Your Brain
Visualisation isn’t fluff, it’s neuroscience. When you repeatedly visualise achieving your goals, your brain starts to believe it’s possible. It activates motivation, self-trust, and even improves performance.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sit quietly and picture yourself having achieved your goal.
- Use all five senses: what do you see, hear, feel?
- Focus on the emotions: pride, peace, joy.
- Do this morning and evening. 5–10 minutes is enough.
- Adjust the imagery if your inner voice says, “That’s not possible.” Start with a smaller, more believable version. Build from there.
Pro tip: This is where “visualisation for success,” “hypnotherapy for confidence,” and “mental rehearsal techniques” become key SEO touchpoints.
Step 4: Daily Action Builds Trust
Success isn’t one massive leap, it’s a collection of small, consistent choices.
Each day, commit to 3 micro-actions. These might include:
- Journaling for 5 minutes
- Sending one email
- Drinking more water
- Replacing one negative thought with a kind one
Be compassionate. If you have a setback (or a slice of cake, or a rest day), you haven’t failed. Balance is part of the process.
Step 5: Get the Right Support
You don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s a therapist, coach, trainer, or hypnotherapist, the right support keeps you accountable, clear, and emotionally aligned.
At Newpath Hypnotherapy, we help you go beyond willpower, identifying the subconscious patterns, beliefs and emotional blocks that keep you stuck. Through hypnosis and personalised coaching, we help you rewire your mindset and start acting in alignment with the woman you want to become.
Bonus: Feeling Disconnected From Your Goals?
If your visualisation feels flat or your inner voice mocks your dreams, it’s a sign of misalignment, not failure. Start by visualising something believable and emotionally positive. Then gradually expand the vision. Progress is personal.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to feel “ready” to begin. You just need a plan, a vision, and a reason. You are worthy of investing time, energy and belief into your growth every single day.
“Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” — Maslow (via Michael Yapko)