5 Keys to Making Your Goals Stick in 2026
The new year is here, and with it, that fresh energy for what’s possible. I’m looking forward to a meaningful gathering next week in Hawaii, where I’ll sit down with a group of remarkable leaders. We won’t just talk about goals; we’ll engage in a deep dialogue about what it takes to move from simply setting them to truly getting them.
I know this truth: the most successful people don’t wander into their future. They design it—with curiosity, clarity, and deep conviction.
In my own leadership walk, I’ve embraced a powerful mantra: less is more. I don’t need a laundry list of BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals). I need a handful of goals that make my heart race and my mind focus. For me, that’s about 3 business and 2 personal goals. That’s the formula that works.
But as we move through January, here’s the pivotal question:
How do you make your 2026 goals stick past the initial enthusiasm?
We all understand the why. Goals are the architecture of achievement, whether you’re:
- Building your influence as a leader
- Charting a new course in sales
- Prioritizing health and vitality
- Investing in your most important relationships
- Cultivating habits that elevate your performance
Goals are the blueprint for who you are becoming.
So, let’s build a blueprint you’ll follow all year. Here are 5 keys to making your G.O.A.L.S. a reality.
Your Challenge
Let’s not just have goals for 2026. Let’s live them.
Look at these five keys. Which one can you lean into today? Perhaps it’s finally defining that one heart-pounding goal. Maybe it’s taking the first small step toward a new door of opportunity. Or maybe it’s a courageous 15-minute purge of your biggest distraction.
This is how we design our year, friends. With intention, one day at a time.
If this resonated, please—share it with your team, your coworkers, your clients. Let’s build a community that moves through this entire year with curiosity, clarity, and conviction.
Here’s to making it your best year yet!
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
