Goal Setting That Sticks
You know what I realized during my toughest times being homeless? I realized that dreams are like stars and planets—beautiful to look at, but you need a rocket ship if you want to reach them. And that “rocket ship” that’s going to help you accomplish your dreams? It’s made up of clear goals and consistent action. So, let me show you how to create and achieve life-changing goals that really make a difference!
When I was homeless, riding those long subway rides at night, I did more than just try to stay warm. I started dreaming bigger. But here’s the thing—I also learned that just dreaming about a better life wasn’t enough. I needed a plan. A real, step-by-step roadmap to get me from point A to point B…you feel me?
So…let me share what I discovered about turning dreams into reality, using the exact same strategies that helped me rebuild my life from scratch.
Understanding Your “Why“
Before we dive into the ‘how’ of goal setting, let’s talk about something more important— understanding your “why.” Why are you even attempting this? What is your motivation? What is the driving force behind this endeavor?
When I was at my lowest, my goals weren’t just about getting a roof over my head. They were about reclaiming my dignity, becoming someone my family could be proud of, and eventually helping others who were struggling like me.
Here’s the thing about goals that actually stick: they need to matter DEEPLY to you. Not to your parents, not to society, not to your FaceBook or Instagram followers—to YOU.
Try this: Take a moment to write down a goal you have. Now, ask yourself “why” five times. Each answer should dig deeper than the last. For example:
GOAL: I WANT TO START A BLOG
Why #1: To make money online
Why #2: To have more time freedom
Why #3: To never feel trapped by circumstances again
Why #4: To provide better opportunities for my family
Why #5: To create lasting security, live my life on my terms and peace of mind
See how different that final “why” feels from the initial goal? That’s where the real power lies.
Aligning Goals with Your Values
When your goals match your core values, it’s like a sail boat with the wind with you instead of against it. During my journey from homelessness to stability, every small goal I set aligned with my values of independence, growth, and eventually, giving back to others.
Here’s how to make sure your goals align with your values:
First, identify your core values. These are your non-negotiables in life. These are the core values that shaped my journey—and trust me, I discovered these in the most unexpected places. Trust me…when you’re sleeping on subways and spending days in libraries just to stay warm, you learn what truly matters.
First, there’s resilience and adaptability—fancy words for ‘keeping going when things get tough.’ While most people saw the library as just a place for books or the kids thought it was a cool hang out spot, I saw it as my classroom, my office, and my shelter all in one. Life kept throwing curveballs, but I learned to swing differently each time.
Then there’s resourcefulness—or what I like to call ‘making something from nothing.’ Every dollar that my family members had given me had to stretch between subway rides and meals. Every minute in the library had to count. I learned to turn limitations into opportunities.
Personal development, but specifically mindset growth, through tough times became my superpower. Instead of letting homelessness define who I was, I let it help refine who I was. Those growth mindset books I found in the library? They weren’t just reading material—I immersed myself in them and made them my blueprint for a better life.
Family and friends connections saved me more times than I can count. From family members who could spare a few dollars to friends who offered a warm place on cold nights, I learned that no one makes it alone. Now, I’m building an online community because I know just how powerful connections can be.
Finally, there’s empowerment through knowledge. Everything I learned—from surviving tough times to mastering AI and blogging—became tools I could share with others. Because knowledge isn’t just power—it’s a lifeline. And now I’m passing that lifeline to you.
These aren’t just nice-sounding values I picked from a book. They’re battle-tested principles that took me from sleeping on subways to building a digital business. And here’s the beautiful thing: these same values can help you build whatever dream you’re chasing too.
Now, look at your goals. Do they support your values, or do they fight against them? A goal that goes against your values is like trying to paddle upstream—exhausting and usually unsuccessful.
Making Goals That Actually Stick
Let me break it down for you..here’s my proven system for creating goals you’ll actually achieve (tested during my own journey from rock bottom):
1. The “One Step at a Time” Method
When I was homeless, thinking about getting an apartment felt overwhelming. So I broke it down into tiny steps:
- Find places to wash up regularly
- Keep my clothes clean
- Build a small savings from family and friends help
- Look presentable for future opportunities
Each were small wins, but were building momentum for the next one.
2. The “Reality Check” System
Make your goals SMART+H…(I added the “H”): ?
- Specific (know exactly what you want)
- Measurable (know how you’ll track progress)
- Achievable (make it possible with your current resources)
- Relevant (know what matters to your bigger picture)
- Time-sensitive (set clear deadline)
- Heart-connected (what is emotionally meaningful to you)
3. The “No Excuse” Schedule
Block out specific times for goal-related actions. Even during my hardest times, I had a schedule:
Let me share with you how I made the most of my time when I wasn’t jogging at the track or spending time at the library, and before my evening visits with family or friends. Here’s what my mid-day game plan looked like:
The library became my second home during these hours. I created what I call “focus time” between 11 AM and 4 PM:
- 11:00-12:30: This was my “class time.” I’d pick various books, novels, scientific and one topic from the growth mindset books and read them and took notes;
- 12:30-2:00: I would then walk outside (if it wasn’t too cold or rainy) to clear my head, get a change of scenery and maybe go get some food to eat;
- 2:00-3:30: My Writing Time. I’d write down my goals, break them into smaller steps, and plan out my next moves for the rest of the day; and
- 3:30-4:00: Action Planning Time. I’d map out which family members to visit, figuring out my subway routes, and planning where I’d sleep if it was going to rain.
During the day I would see people hustling and bustling to their day jobs, so the key for me was to treat these mid-day hours like a job. Even though I didn’t have one, I had my corner in the library.
Even though I didn’t have a boss, I had my goals. I was my own boss…and truthfully…it felt kinda good! I always told myself…it was never about filling time—it was about investing it in my future.
Staying Consistent When Motivation Dies
Here’s the truth about motivation—it’s like a matchstick. Burns bright, but doesn’t last long…but here’s what does last:
Systems Over Willpower
You’re probably saying to yourself…what the what? Let me break down what I mean when I say… “Systems Over Willpower.”
Those mornings when I was jogging around the track…if I had relied just on motivation or willpower, I probably would’ve stayed curled up somewhere warm instead of exercising. But I created a system—a routine so automatic that I didn’t have to think about it or talk myself into it…just like you do now when you get up to go to work everyday!
My system looked like this: Wake up at the same time every day, head straight to the track, do my laps, then walk to the library as soon as it opened. No decisions to make, no willpower needed. It was just what I did, like brushing my teeth.
Even my library time had a system. Instead of waiting for motivation to read those growth mindset books, I had my specific corner, my specific time blocks, and my specific goals for each session. The system carried me through even on days when my spirit was low and my motivation tank was empty.
Think about it like this: Willpower is like trying to push a boulder uphill—exhausting and nearly impossible to maintain. But a system? That’s like creating a smooth path that lets the boulder roll naturally where you want it to go. My systems—from my morning track routine to my library schedule to my family visit rotations—became my smooth path forward.
When I created my system, I didn’t have to wrestle with decisions like ‘Should I go to the library today?’ or ‘Should I reach out to family?’ The system just says ‘This is what we do at this time,’ and I would follow through, motivated or not. That’s how I kept moving forward, one systematic step at a time, even on my hardest days.
I found this valuable to share with you because when I talk about turning my track time and library sessions into automatic systems, it shows you that you don’t need perfect circumstances to build powerful habits. You just need to create your own “smooth path” for building your blog to make money, be your own boss and live your life on your terms and follow it consistently.
Other Systems I Created
My Fifteen-Minute Rule
When you don’t feel like working on your goals, commit to just fifteen minutes. Usually, you’ll keep going. I used this to start reading about growth mindset training within the personal development niche—just fifteen minutes often turned into hours.
Progress Tracking
Keep a simple record of your actions. I used a small notebook to track every step forward, no matter how small. Sometimes when you think you haven’t made any progress, its good to recap and looking back at what you’ve done…it’s a powerful motivational tool.
Handling Setbacks
Let’s be real…and keep it 100% — you’re going to face setbacks…I sure did! The key isn’t avoiding them; it’s having a plan for when they hit. This is what you do…I did this!
- The 24-Hour Rule
Give yourself 24 hours to feel disappointed. Then it’s time to get back up and keep moving. - The Learning Loop
After each setback, ask yourself:
- What went wrong?
- What can I learn?
- What will I do differently?
- How can this make me stronger?
The Support System
You need to build a network of people who support your goals. They’re your lifeline during tough times. I had my family and some close friends who knew what I was going through.
Making Your Goals Reality
Here’s what you need to do right now:
- Write down your biggest goal
- Break it into monthly targets
- Break those into weekly actions
- Choose ONE thing you can do today
Remember, the difference between a dream and a goal is the plan and action that backs it up.
The Power of Small Wins
Every big goal is really just a series of small wins stacked together. During my journey from homelessness to creating a stable environment, each tiny step forward mattered to me which included:
- Finding a safe place to sleep;
- Keeping myself presentable and made sure I didn’t stink;
- Maintaining relationships with my family and friends;
- Learning new skills; and
- Taking some type of action daily
Your Challenge
I say you need to start today…not tomorrow, not next week—today! Take these ideas and put them into action:
- Write down your core values
- Choose one meaningful goal
- Break it down into tiny steps
- Take your first step right now
Remember, the same strategies that helped me rebuild my life from nothing can help you achieve your goals too. It’s not about having perfect circumstances—it’s about taking imperfect action consistently. I know myself and I am a perfectionist, but I changed my mindset and I always told myself when tackling a task and I needed to finish it and not to look for perfection…’good is good enough.’
Ready to turn your dreams into reality? I’m creating a FREE Goal-Setting Action Plan Guide that will include the exact strategies and worksheets that helped me rebuild my life. Want to be the first to get it when it’s ready? Drop your email below, and I’ll send you a free copy when I’m done. You’ll get:
- First access to the Goal-Setting Action Plan Guide when it launches;
- Weekly tips on building systems that stick; and
- My top 3 strategies for pushing through tough times
Join the waitlist now—because your future self will thank you for starting today!
