Don’t you just love that feeling as a New Year starts? Most of us feel so renewed and a new sense of purpose. We vow to make changes, whether it’s building a property portfolio, improving our health, or spending more time with family. But how many of those goals actually last? Research shows that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by February. The problem isn’t lack of ambition—it’s the way we set goals. Without clarity, preparation, and consistency, even the best intentions can fall apart.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few principles that can help transform fleeting resolutions into lasting achievements. Whether you’re setting personal goals or working toward property investment milestones, these strategies will help you climb higher and stay the course.
The Tale of the Mountain Climbers
Let me start with a story. Two climbers set out to conquer the same mountain. The first climber had a clear vision: they wanted to reach the summit, but they also knew the journey would take preparation. They studied the terrain, mapped out their route, and packed the essentials, including a safety kit and food for the climb. The second climber had the same ambition—to reach the top—but decided to “wing it.” They brought only what they could carry and figured they’d improvise along the way.
The day of the climb arrived. Both climbers started strong, but as the mountain became steeper, the second climber ran into trouble. They hadn’t planned for the changing weather or the demanding terrain, and halfway up, they gave up and turned back. The first climber, prepared and focused, reached the summit. It wasn’t easy, but their preparation and steady progress made the difference.
Setting goals is much like climbing a mountain. Without a clear plan and the right tools, it’s easy to lose motivation and quit when challenges arise.
Step 1: Start with Clarity
If you don’t know exactly what you want, it’s hard to stick to a goal. Ambiguity is one of the biggest reasons people fail. Saying “I want to get fit” or “I want to invest in property” is too vague. What does success look like? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
Clarity means being specific. For example, instead of saying “I want to invest in property,” decide:
- How many properties do you want to buy this year?
- What kind of properties will you focus on (e.g., HMOs or single lets)?
- What’s your budget, and where will you find the financing?
The more detailed your goal, the easier it is to create a roadmap to achieve it.
Step 2: Break It Down
One of the reasons big goals feel overwhelming is because they’re just that—big. It’s easy to look at the end goal and think, “How will I ever get there?” That’s why breaking your goal into smaller, actionable steps is critical.
I remember when I decided to build a Net Zero development in London. At first, the task felt monumental. But instead of focusing on the entire project, I broke it down:
- Research the market
- Identify potential sites
- Build a team of experts
- Secure funding
Each step became a milestone, and ticking off one small task at a time gave me the momentum to keep going.
Step 3: Focus on Systems, Not Just Outcomes
Goals are important, but they’re only part of the equation. The systems you put in place to achieve those goals are just as critical. For example, if your goal is to buy three properties this year, what habits and routines will you need? Maybe it’s:
- Allocating time weekly for property searches
- Networking regularly to find private investors
- Reviewing your finances monthly to track progress
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, says it best: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Focus on building consistent habits, and the results will follow.
Step 4: Stay Flexible
Life is unpredictable, and even the best plans can go sideways. Flexibility is key to long-term success. I learned this during COVID-19. Like many investors, I faced uncertainty, but because I always plan for the unexpected, I was able to adapt. My interest-only mortgage strategy, for instance, gave me the flexibility to keep cash flow healthy when times were tough.
The same applies to your goals. Be committed to your destination but flexible in your approach. If one strategy isn’t working, pivot. The mountain climber doesn’t abandon their goal because of a blocked path—they find a new route.
Step 5: Measure Progress
What gets measured gets managed. Regularly tracking your progress is essential to staying motivated. Set aside time to review your goals—whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Celebrate small wins along the way. They remind you of how far you’ve come and keep you energised for the road ahead.
For example, if your goal is to invest in three properties this year, your progress check might include:
- How many viewings have you booked?
- Have you secured financing for your first deal?
- Are you building relationships with key professionals like solicitors or brokers?
These checkpoints help you stay accountable and adjust if you’re falling behind.
Step 6: Don’t Go It Alone
Achieving big goals often requires support. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer group, or a community of like-minded individuals, having people to lean on can make all the difference. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb This is why I encourage anyone serious about their goals to join a community or find a mentor. Accountability and shared wisdom are invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Setting goals that stick isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about clarity, preparation, and consistency. Whether your mountain is a fitness goal, a financial milestone, or growing your property portfolio, the principles remain the same: plan, focus on systems, stay flexible, and measure progress.
And if you’re ready to take your goal-setting to the next level, join my community for more tips, insights, and resources to help you succeed. Remember, every journey starts with a single step. What will yours be?
Kelly Lemon
