January 1st is just a random date on the calendar. If your goals don’t scare you right now, they’re too small.
Most people have weak goals—or none at all. That’s why they stay stuck, even when they know they have more potential.
Goals are only part of the picture, but they’re a big part. Here’s the exact process to create ones that actually move the needle.
Step 1: Book a 60-minute immovable appointment with yourself in the next 7 days. Look at your calendar. Pick a slot. Block it like it’s the most important meeting of your life—because it is. No overthinking, no procrastination.
Step 2: When the time comes, eliminate distractions. Phone on airplane mode or left behind. Go somewhere quiet—not Starbucks, not the mall. Pen and paper only (apps are fine later, but handwriting hits different here).
Brainstorm everything you want in the next 90 days, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years. Short-term, long-term—doesn’t matter. Keep writing. No filtering. No “that’s not realistic.” Pour it all out.
Step 3: Pick the goals that make your heart jump—then 10X them. Choose the 3–7 that truly excite you. Then multiply them by 10.
$100K revenue → $1M Lose
10 lbs → visible abs by summer
Grow to 1,000 subscribers → 10,000
You probably won’t hit the 10X, but you’ll crush the safe version every time. As Grant Cardone asks: would you rather fall short of $1M or $100K?
Step 4: Set a date—and pull it closer. Don’t say “someday.” Say “by December 31, 2026” or sooner. If 10 years feels comfortable, cut it to 3. Make it scary, not impossible.
Step 5: Make them FAST goals
- Frequently discussed — tell at least 3 people who’ll hold you accountable. Talk about them until people tell you to shut up (then keep talking).
- Ambitious — 10X level.
- Specific — numbers, dates, outcomes people can verify.
- Transparent — post progress publicly.
Step 6: The daily ritual Every morning and every night, hand-write your top goals. Read them aloud. Visualize one for 60 seconds.
I know this works—and I still don’t always do it. Full honesty: my goals often live in my head instead of on paper. While preparing this, I restarted my streak in the Streaks app titled “Write goals daily.” The fear of resetting to day 1 is real motivation. Find your tracker (Streaks, Habitica, or just ticks on a calendar)—don’t overthink the tool.
Your goals will evolve. That’s good. Write fresh every time. Drop what no longer excites you. Add what does.
Your homework (do it in the next 7 days):
- Book the 60-minute session.
- 10X at least one goal.
- Start the morning/night ritual tomorrow.
Leave a comment below with your scariest 10X goal—I read every one.