Setting Attainable Goals That Actually Stick (and How to Make Them Work for You) - Thoughts from a Professional Organizer


Here’s a question for you: Did you meet the goals you set for yourself this year?

Don’t worry — this isn’t to make you feel bad. It’s to help you reflect and start setting goals that are realistic and attainable.

Every January, we come in strong with a long list of goals:

  • Go to the gym three days a week.
  • Start meal prepping.
  • Organize the garage.
  • Launch a passion project.
  • Save $10,000.

Sound familiar? We dive in with great intentions, but somewhere along the way, life gets busy. Motivation fades, priorities shift, and those goals slowly start slip away and we lose momentum.

Why does this happen — and what can we do differently this time?

As a professional organizer at KAS KONCEPTS, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from setting bigger goals — it comes from setting better ones. Let’s talk about how to do that.


1. Start Small and Build Momentum

Big goals can feel exciting at first, but they can also feel overwhelming. Instead of tackling your entire garage or pantry in one weekend, start with one small, specific area in the garage — like one shelf, one drawer, one box or one zone.

When you complete a small task, you build momentum and confidence. Those small wins add up over time and keep you motivated to keep going.

Try this: Set a timer for 30 minutes and focus on one organizing task. When the timer goes off, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you’ve made — and how good it feels to check something off your list.


2. Prioritize and Schedule Your Goals

We often say, “I don’t have time,” but the truth is, we haven’t made time. Whether it’s decluttering, meal prepping, or planning your week, scheduling your goals like appointments makes them non-negotiable.

If organization is your goal, treat it like a meeting with your future self — one who loves walking into a clutter-free, peaceful space.

Pro tip: Add it to your calendar. When it’s written down, you’re more likely to commit to it.


3. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself

Life happens. Schedules change. Some weeks will be smooth, and others might feel chaotic. Don’t let one missed day throw you off completely.

Flexibility is key to sustainable progress. If you planned to organize the kitchen, but had a busy week, switch gears and spend 10 minutes tidying a drawer instead. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to count.


4. Turn Your Steps Into Habits

The secret to long-term success isn’t motivation — it’s habit. Motivation fades, but habits keep you going.

Try habit stacking: attach a new habit to something you already do. For example:
☕ While you make coffee, clear the kitchen counters.
📺 During commercials or while streaming, sort through a small bin or drawer.
📅 Every Sunday, spend 15 minutes resetting your space for the week ahead.

When your goals blend naturally into your daily life, they stop feeling like “extra work.” This is what works for me - habits and routines! 


5. Find Accountability and Support

Whether it’s a friend, a partner, or a professional like me, accountability keeps you on track. Having someone to check in with, share progress, and celebrate wins makes the process more enjoyable — and more likely to stick.


Final Thoughts: Make This the Year You Stick to Your Goals

Setting attainable goals isn’t about lowering your expectations — it’s about setting yourself up for success. Start small, make time, stay flexible, build habits, and lean on support.

When you approach your goals with intention and structure, you’ll not only achieve them — you’ll enjoy the process and create lasting change in your home and life.


Thank you for reading! 

Kristen 

Professional Organizer

KAS KONCEPTS - Helping you get and stay organized! 

W: https://kaskoncepts.godaddysites.com

Location: London, ON, Canada

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