THE HEXAGON OF SUCCESS Six Principles to Transform Good Intentions into Positive Actions and Achieve the Impossible

As you do at this time of year, I’ve been reflecting on goal setting. Much has been written about it, emphasizing that properly structured, ambitious goals—especially those written down—can make you successful, wealthy, and happy. A 1953 Yale study is often cited as proof of this. However, the truth is that no such “Goals Study” of Yale’s Class of 1953 actually took place. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence showing that many people abandon their goals long before achieving them.

This article isn’t about setting goals—it’s about evaluating the quality of your goals and their chances of success. After all, the true challenge lies not in setting goals, but in realizing them.

Moving Beyond Box-Ticking Systems

There are many systems available for effective goal setting, including the well-known S.M.A.R.T. method, which emphasizes goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timed. While the SMART framework is excellent for creating clear, purpose-driven goals with deadlines, it can sometimes feel like an exercise in box-ticking.

But purpose alone is not enough—your goals need meaning. Even the most well-constructed SMART goal, however specific its purpose, won’t necessarily contain a meaning that inspire and drive you forward. That’s why I’ve designed the Hexagon of Success. This process ensures your goals aren’t just achievable, but also meaningful and deeply motivating. It engages both your emotions and your reasoning, while providing a practical structure for implementation.

The Hexagon of Success is built around six principles: Sensible, Significant, Sincere, Small, Simple, and Sustained. Let’s explore each principle in detail. Before reading on, I encourage you to think of a personal goal you can evaluate using these principles.

1. SENSIBLE

Believing that you can achieve your goal is essential. Ask yourself: Is your goal realistic, or is it just a pie in the sky?

By “sensible,” I mean that your goal must be achievable. If you’ve carefully structured it, perhaps using the SMART framework, it’s likely doable. Even bold, ambitious goals must have a realistic chance of success.

Unrealistic goals can quickly become demoralizing and de-motivating, eroding your confidence instead of building it. If there’s any doubt about your goal’s feasibility, take another look and adjust it if necessary.

2. SIGNIFICANT

Every worthwhile goal must promise significant results. Whether your goals are short-term, medium-term, or long-term—personal or professional—they should lead to meaningful outcomes that justify your time and effort.

Trivial tasks or goals that bring limited returns belong on a daily to-do list, not on your personal development plan. A significant goal has the potential to bring about substantial, inspiring change. To determine if your goal is significant, ask yourself:

• What exactly will I achieve?
• What will I gain from achieving this?
• How will my life improve?
• What will change for the better?
• Who else will benefit?

If the answers inspire you, your goal is worth pursuing.

3. SINCERE

A goal must not only have a clear purpose but also carry true meaning for you. It must be something you sincerely desire, not something you feel obligated to pursue.

To ensure your goal aligns with your genuine desires, try this exercise: Answer the question, “Why do I want this?” five times, emphasizing the word “I.”

• I want this because…
• I want this because…
• I want this because…
• I want this because…
• I want this because…

If your answers include compelling intellectual, practical, and emotional reasons, your goal is worth striving for. It should excite and inspire you, making you feel proud just thinking about it.

Remember: Your goal must stem from intrinsic motivation (what you truly want), not extrinsic motivation (what you think you should do). Personal development thrives on intrinsic drive.

4. SMALL

Breaking your goal into small, manageable steps makes it less overwhelming and easier to tackle. Each small step should be achievable in one go; otherwise, it risks becoming a project in itself.

Personal growth begins where your comfort zone ends, so choose actions that gently push your boundaries without feeling daunting. For example, instead of running a marathon, start with a manageable jogging routine.

Your “small” steps should still align with the “sensible” principle—ensure they’re practical and achievable.

5. SIMPLE

To increase your chances of success, keep your actions simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routines. Avoid complex arrangements or special requirements that could lead to procrastination.

The when/then technique is a powerful tool for integrating actions into your routine:

• When I wake up in the morning, then I’ll write for 30 minutes before showering.
• When I commute, then I’ll read 10 pages of a personal development book.
• When I get home from work, then I’ll go for a jog before making dinner.

Building patterns like these reduces decision fatigue and ensures consistent progress.

6. SUSTAINED

Consistent, sustained effort over time is key to achieving any goal. Small, manageable actions performed regularly are far more effective than sporadic bursts of effort.

Creating rituals helps maintain consistency and reduces procrastination. Unlike habits, rituals are performed with intention, providing a sense of achievement as you progress. For example, if your goal is to develop a new habit, intentional rituals can make the process more effective and rewarding.

The when/then method mentioned earlier can also serve as a foundation for your rituals.

IN SUMMARY

Goals that align with the first three principles—Sensible, Significant, and Sincere—appeal to both your emotions and your reasoning, creating inspiration and motivation. Adding Small, Simple, and Sustained actions ensures a disciplined approach, significantly increasing the likelihood of success.

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements. While external recognition is gratifying, it’s equally important to acknowledge your own progress. Treat yourself when you succeed and reflect on how far you’ve come.

The Hexagon of Success transforms aspirations into meaningful accomplishments. Start using these principles today, and watch your goals come to life!

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