You’re 76% More Likely to Achieve Your Goals if You Do This (According to Study)

Goal setting gets a lot of lip service. Everyone likes the idea of “aiming high, working hard, and never giving up.” But few actually live by this notion. In fact, according to Forbes, only 8% of people follow through and accomplish their aims. So if you’re struggling to achieve your goals, you’re in good company.

However, just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s right.

And deep down you know this; that’s why you’re reading this article right now. Luckily, there are certain things you can do that will drastically increase the likelihood of you accomplishing more of your goals.

Keep reading to learn more.

Scientific Explanation for Goal Achievement

In 2015, Dr. Gail Matthews (a psychology professor at the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) conducted a study on goal achievement. She gathered 267 participants from numerous backgrounds across America and abroad. The aim of the study was to determine how success was influenced by writing goals down.

The results were intriguing.

Matthews discovered that over 70% percent of participants who enlisted the help of a friend and sent them weekly updates showed higher levels of achievement. In her study. Matthews segmented the participants into a number of groups:

1. First Group: This group was instructed to only think about the goals they wanted to achieve and to rank each objective based on specific criteria.
2. Second to Fifth Group: Group two was asked to write their aims and then use the same criteria as group one to rate them.
3. Third Group: The third group was instructed to write down the action steps and share them with a friend.
4. Fifth Group: This group did the most by acting on all of the previously mentioned instructions, in addition to reporting progress weekly to an associate/friend.

The conclusion of the study revealed some interesting results. These findings were as follows:

• 43% of the first group either achieved their objectives or were midway to the accomplishment of their goals
• 62% of group four hit their targets or made it halfway
• A whopping 76% of group five participants either achieved their objectives or reached the midway point

According to Matthews, her study provides conclusive evidence of 3 essential components of goal achievement; these elements are:

1. Write goals down
2. Commitment
3. Accountability

These components on their own can stimulate progress and even achievement. However, when combined, the probability of goal accomplishment is drastically increased.

The Proven Method That Can Increase Your Odds of Success By 76%

This study provides undeniable evidence of 3 essential qualities for goal achievement. So let’s look at how you can implement these components.

1. Write Your Goals Down

Beginning with the easiest step, write your goals down. Anyone can do this. I recommend keeping a journal for this purpose. However, it’s not enough just to write your desires down one time and then leave it at that.

Here’s a simple practice that will help keep your objectives at the forefront of your mind:

• Write your goals down daily: Writing your goals down once is good; writing them daily is great. This practice reinforces what it is you’re aiming at in life. Moreover, it makes your goals feel more tangible; more real. Instead of some vague, abstract concept, they become concrete and clear-cut—that’s the power of the pen.
• Incorporate the Plan: You need a plan (or plans) to achieve your goals. So put your plan in writing when you write down your aims. Although it’s not necessary to rewrite the plan daily; it is helpful to review it daily
• Review your goals daily: You’re forgetful. We all are; we need constant reminding. By revisiting your goals every day, you ensure that they remain your primary focus and that you are continually moving in that direction. So a daily goal review is a necessity.
  

2. Make the Commitment

Nothing happens without your commitment. What does it mean to commit? It means you cut off all other possibilities and follow through; it’s to resolve to pay the price. If you want to achieve your goals, a firm commitment is required. Why? Because it won’t be easy; it will take time, effort, and a lot of toil and frustration

As a result, you must commit. You can’t half-ass or shortcut this process. A meek desire will not be sufficient to accomplish big goals. Your larger ambitions demand more grit and fortitude. Here are a few ways to help you commit to your goals:

• Make a plan to achieve your goals
• Post on social media to strengthen accountability
• Share your plans with friends and family
• Break your goal down into smaller, manageable tasks
• Celebrate the small victories
• Surround yourself with like-minded people who will encourage you on down days
• Review your goals frequently

Luckily, these qualities can be forged with micro-commitments. Make promises to yourself (or others) regarding small, trivial things. And then practice keeping those commitments. You will, naturally, become more inclined to follow through on bigger tasks the more you follow this simple “hack.”

3. Find Accountability

In the experiment, Matthews discovered the participants who shared their goals with others drastically increased their probability of achieving them. The reason for this is simple: No one wants to look like a flop in front of others, especially if the people in question are individuals you respect and admire.

How will this benefit you?

Accountability increases motivation, tilting the odds of following through in your favor. Here’s how you can make the most of this strategy:

• Find a reliable accountability partner: Don’t select just anybody for this role. Find someone who shares similar goals, interests, and values as you. This type of person will understand your motive and won’t let you slip up.
• Get some skin in the game: Getting an accountability partner is only half the battle. Now, you should put something on the line if you fail at your objective. This will give you even more incentive to follow through. For example, let’s say you want to lose weight. So you decide to exercise every day for the next 30 days. If you miss a day, you must give your accountability partner $500.
• Use journal prompts: Adopting a daily journaling practice can also help hold you accountable. Think of your journal as a sounding board to which you’ll report your progress. This is also an effective strategy to help hold you accountable.

Next Step: Get on the Path to Achieve Your Goals

Achieving your grandest goals is challenging. For this reason, you need every advantage you can get. And luckily, you can tilt the odds in your favor by following the suggestions laid out in this article. But if you need additional assistance, I’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out my ebook for how to develop good habits and align them with your vision.