Setting Goals that Turn Wishes into Reality

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why do so many of my goals stay as mere wishes?”

I’ve been there too. 

But here’s what I’ve learned: writing down your goals can transform wishes into reality.

A study by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at the Dominican University of California, found that people are 42% more likely to achieve their goals simply by writing them down. 

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Writing down goals like running the Chicago Marathon, completing a doctoral degree, and speaking at an overseas faith event worked. Goals like these weren’t just dreams—they became achievements.

But writing goals down isn’t enough. 

I’ve written plenty of goals that never went anywhere. Why? Because writing a goal is one thing; creating a strategy to fulfill it is another.

This is where understanding two types of goals is crucial:

Two Types of Goals

Before setting goals, it’s important to distinguish between outcome goals and driving goals:

• Outcome goals are the clear, measurable results you aim to achieve. They represent your dreams, the end destination.
• Driving goals are the actions and habits that push you toward those outcomes. They’re the daily steps you take to turn dreams into reality.

For example:

In 2012, I set an outcome goal to run the 26-mile Chicago Marathon. But achieving that outcome required a driving goal: following a structured training plan.

Was it easy? No. Did I stick to the plan perfectly? Not at all. But I stayed consistent enough to cross the finish line (even if I placed 25,977th!).

The goals I’ve accomplished—big or small—are the ones I paired with a clear strategy. 

The ones I didn’t achieve? They remained wishes.

Your Goal Action Plan

So how can you set goals you’ll actually achieve?

Here’s a simple framework to get started:

Goal Action Plan

1. Outcome Goal: Write a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Purpose: Identify why this goal matters to you. What’s your motivation?
3. Driving Goals: List the key steps or habits required to achieve your outcome goal.
4. Regular Check-In: Choose a specific time each week to review your progress.

Here’s an example of how I put this into practice:

Launching My Blog

1. Outcome Goal: Launch my blog webpage by November 14, 2024.
2. Purpose: Fulfill my mission of helping people thrive in life and leadership.
3. Driving Goals: Purchase a domain, choose a hosting platform, create a home page, and write the first article.
4. Regular Check-In: Review progress weekly during my Weekly Sync session.

Did I meet my original deadline? No—I launched it a day late. But instead of dwelling on the missed deadline, I celebrated the accomplishment. Progress beats perfection every time.

Now, my next goal is to maintain consistency: posting one blog article each week. I’m sticking to my driving goals, and so far, I’m on track.

The key takeaway? Goals without action are just wishes. But pairing your dreams with a clear, actionable plan creates momentum—and that’s where growth happens.

What’s your next goal? Write it down, outline your driving steps, and start moving forward. Progress begins with action.