Ever wondered why some people are better than others at achieving goals? Achieving your goals is not just about intellect – it is about planning, vision and tenacity. Individuals who take the time to plan, plot and map their goals generally achieve more success than those who simply jump in.

Achieving goals will become easier using these simple strategies.

1)      Pick realistic and meaningful goals

Recognise what is truly achievable; your goals may take considerable effort, but they must ultimately be possible.

This might mean signing up to a 5k run, then a 10k run, then a half-marathon, before you commit to an ultra-marathon. Don’t assume the sheer adrenaline and determination will get you through a feat with little training or stamina (and that doesn’t just apply to sports situations, either!). If you struggle with unrealistic goal setting and perfectionism, to the point where it affects your mental health, you may want to consider Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to unpick the thought patterns behind this behaviour.

2)      Clearly define the steps necessary to achieve the goal

Remember, successful execution of a goal takes planning. Break down each step into sub-sections. Many clever people with great ideas fail to achieve their goal because they omit this step.

If your goal involves outside input, or you’ll achieve it sooner with other people on board, don’t be afraid to ask for help. For example, deciding to redecorate your house shouldn’t involve you single-handedly renovating each room, and nor should all your DIY take place at the same time. The best strategy would be to sort the rooms by priority, work out where you will store items as you decorate, and create a budget for materials and any decorators you need to hire.

3)      Schedule activities into your planner that support the defined steps.  Carry the activities out. No excuses

Inspiration only works when coupled with perspiration. Your goal has to be a priority.

Going back to that running training, your activity plans would include solo running sessions, group sessions with a local running club or some friends, and related activities to support your fitness levels, like swimming, Zumba, walking or yoga. To fuel your body with the right foods, you could start a folder of useful recipes to inspire you each week, and set aside a half-day to batch cook meals for the week ahead, making you less likely to reach for takeaways.

4)      Accept there will be set-backs on the way to achieving goals

Build a contingency plan for these. Get back on track with minimal fuss or drama. Think of the set-back as a learning curve.

In that decorating scenario, we all know there are lots of things that can go wrong when you do up your house (the famous clip from 90s TV show Changing Rooms, when shelf-loads of antique teapots have been smashed to smithereens, is a prime example). Whatever the disaster, make sure you’ve got extra time, money and helping hands set aside for those tricky moments. If you run out of the perfect paint colour, there are companies that will mix bespoke colours to order. If your plasterer hasn’t done their job properly, explain the problem and have an alternative plasterer’s details ready just in case. Try to put any set-backs in perspective, and don’t take them personally.

5)      Ask for support from family and friends when needed

Very often, timely support is vital in helping you remain on track in order to achieve your goals.

Whether you’re the next Dame Kelly Holmes or you’re just redecorating your home, you’ll need support to reach your goals from those around you. Keep them informed about your plans, and ask them to nudge you in the right direction if you start to waver. Turn to social media or internet forums for peer support from strangers, too. Being in a community of like-minded people can really help to focus your energy on what matters.

Using these simple steps is a tried and trusted format for achieving goals, effecting change or enabling self-development.

Written by Dr Chrissie Tizzard, Chartered Consultant Psychologist, PsychD, BSc, MSc, C.Psychol, C.Sci, AFBPS. Dr Tizzard is the Clinical Director of Christine Tizzard Psychology (ctpsy.co.uk).