The Harvard Teaching to Set Goals You Actually Achieve:

The Harvard Study Insight:

A famous Harvard study revealed this surprising fact:

• 83% of people don't set goals.
• 14% have goals but don't write them down.
• Only 3% write them down - and they achieve 10x more.

So, write down your goals - it's a proven game-changer.

The Clarity Table:

Vague Goal Harvard Goal

"I want to be fit" " Lose 10 IBS in 3 months by running 3x a week."

" I want to save money". " Save $5,000 by reducing dining out to 2x/month."

"I'll start a side hustle." "Launch an Etsy shop with 10 items by

December 31"

See the difference? The clearer the goal, the clearer the path.

Check Off Your Progress:

Create a checklist that gets you closer to your goal. Try this:

• Wake up 30 minutes earlier.
• Drink 3 liters of water.
• Read 10 pages of a book.
• Meditate for 5 minutes.
• Track your progress every day.
• Say no to distractions.
• Focus on one task at a time.

The power of checking off actions keeps you moving forward.

Break It Down:

Try this:

• Take your big goal and break it into 3-5 mini-goals.
• Assign each mini-goal a deadline.

Use the "If-Then" Strategy:

People who use "If-Then" planning are 300% more likely to stick to goals.

Do this:

• "If I feel too tired to work out, then I'll walk for 10 minutes instead."
• "If I'm distracted by my phone, then I'll set a 30-minute timer to focus."

Yes, planning for obstacles keeps you on track, no matter what.

The WOOP Technique:

Harvard endorses WOOP:

• Wish: Define what you want.
• Outcome: Visualize its impact on your life.
• Obstacle: Identify what might stop you.
• Plan: Prepare a step to overcome it.

Try this for your next goal- it transforms obstacles into action plans.

The 90-Day Rule:

Research highlights: 90 days is the sweet spot for goal completion.

Why?

• It's long enough to create momentum.
• Short enough to feel urgent.

Set a 90-day deadline for the next goal. Track weekly progress to stay on course.