Struggling to stick to your goals? Discover Olly Wood’s three-step framework to set goals that feel exciting, realistic, and achievable. Learn how to overcome obstacles and how set goals that you actually achieve in 2025.

The Problem: Why Most Goals Fail (and What to Do Instead)

We all know the drill. You start the year feeling fired up about your goals. You’re going to exercise more, grow your business, finally get organized… and then February rolls around, and life gets in the way.

Sound familiar?

The problem isn’t that you’re unmotivated. It’s that most people set goals that are too rigid and don’t account for the realities of life—obstacles, unexpected challenges, and shifting energy levels.

That’s why I sat down with Olly Wood, a leading health and performance coach, to talk about how to set goals that you actually achieve (without burning out or giving up by March). Here’s the system he shared:

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The Three-Step Framework for Setting Your Goals in 2025

Instead of just setting goals and hoping for the best, Olly recommends this three-phase approach:

1. Define the Feeling
2. Identify the Obstacles
3. Build Fail-Safe Systems

Let’s break each step down.

Step 1: Define the Feeling

Most people set goals based on what they think they should do: “I want to run three times a week” or “I want to post on Instagram every day.” But what happens when you get sick, injured, or life throws you a curveball? You quit.

Instead, ask yourself: How do I want to feel?

• Instead of “I want to run three times a week,” try: I want to feel strong and fit.
• Instead of “I want to post on Instagram every day,” try: I want to feel confident in my marketing and attract dream clients.

When you focus on the feeling, you can stay locked in on the goal but flexible in your approach.

Step 2: Identify the Obstacles

Most people avoid thinking about the hard parts of goal setting. But anticipating challenges before they happen helps you stay consistent.

Ask yourself:

• What has stopped me from achieving this goal in the past?
• What obstacles are likely to come up?
• What’s my plan when those obstacles appear?

For example, if your goal is to feel strong and fit, obstacles might be:

• Lack of time → Can you work out in the morning before the day gets busy?
• Hating the gym → Can you find a workout you actually enjoy?
• Weather ruining outdoor workouts → Can you have an indoor alternative ready?

Step 3: Build Fail-Safe Systems

To make your goal sustainable, set up small systems that keep you on track. Olly suggests three powerful strategies:

1. The Nudge: Attach your habit to something you already do.
   • Example: Take 5 deep breaths before each meal to manage stress.
2. This, Then That: Use a simple rule to reinforce behavior.
   • Example: “I drink 500ml of water before I check social media.”
3. The Half-Ass Approach: Let go of all-or-nothing thinking. Doing 20% is better than 0%.
   • Example: If you can’t do a full workout, do 10 squats at home.

These micro-adjustments remove friction and make it easy to follow through, even on busy days. 

The Confidence Loop: How Sticking to Small Habits Builds Momentum

One of the biggest reasons people struggle with goals is that they break promises to themselves. Every time you set a goal and don’t follow through, you chip away at your self-trust.

The fix? Start small and focus on consistency over perfection.

• If your goal is to exercise more, start with 10-minute walks.
• If your goal is to post more content, start with two posts a week instead of daily.
• If your goal is to eat healthier, focus on one meal a day instead of a complete overhaul.

The more you follow through on small commitments, the more confident you become in your ability to hit bigger goals.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Olly shared something powerful: “Never miss twice.”

• If you miss a workout, don’t skip two in a row.
• If you eat off-plan, get back on track at the next meal.
• If you forget to post on social media, do it tomorrow.

Missing once is human. Missing twice becomes a habit.

By adopting this resilient mindset, you avoid the all-or-nothing trap and make lasting progress.

Your Next Steps: Make 2025 the Year You Actually Hit Your Goals

So, how do you apply this today? Follow this quick action plan:

1. Choose One Goal. Keep it simple and meaningful.
2. Ask: How Do I Want to Feel? Shift from rigid actions to flexible intentions.
3. List Three Potential Obstacles. Anticipate what could derail you.
4. Create One System. Use the Nudge, This-Then-That, or Half-Ass Approach.
5. Commit to Never Missing Twice. Progress over perfection.

Want more support to hit your goals this year? Join my free training, The System, where I’ll show you how my clients are tripling their revenue in under 12 months—without burning out.

👉 Watch instantly here: laurahiggins.com/the-system

Resources & Next Steps:

🎯 Watch The System – My FREE training showing you how to triple your revenue in less than 12 months: laurahiggins.com/thesystem
📲 Connect with Olly Wood: Follow him on Instagram at @OllyWood and check out his podcast Body Reset.
🚀 Join the Community – Get support, strategies, and real talk with like-minded creatives inside The Next Level Club.

Book A Call Here

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