Why reaching your goals is hard - and what you can do about it!

We get stuck when working to reach our goals for many reasons.

Life is busy, and our minds can often work against us. Over the years, I’ve discovered strategies that keep me moving forward and help me set bigger and bigger goals. Reaching goals doesn’t come without failure, but I’ve learned to stay consistent and am excited to share what works for me. Hopefully, you can take some of these ideas on board to help you reach your own goals.

Let me start with a quick introduction. I’m Gael Wood, and I began my career 1995 as a massage therapist. I’ve been in the industry for over 29 years. In 2014, I began writing books and teaching online courses, primarily for the massage and spa industry. In recent years, I’ve expanded into coaching. In 2019, I became a certified Feng Shui consultant, and in 2020, I started homeschooling my son—a pandemic twist I hadn’t anticipated. In 2019, I was inducted into the World Massage Hall of Fame. I’ve authored 12 books, created over 50 online courses, and founded the Massage and Spa Marketing Content Clubs. Last year, two of my books became Amazon bestsellers—an exciting milestone.

I value freedom, success, and creating spaces that feel like sanctuaries. I love the beach, though I live in the mountains, and I’m an avid reader who grew up without television. I’m always taking courses, experimenting in my business, and challenging myself to grow.

Now, let’s dive into why we’re here!

We’ll explore five reasons people don’t reach their goals and how to overcome those obstacles. I’ll also share my top three goal-setting hacks, tips to get out of overwhelm, and questions to help you connect more deeply with your goals. Toward the end, I’ll share how we can work together if you’re interested.

To get started, I’d love for you to think about a couple of your goals—especially the ones that feel really big to you. Write them down along with what you think might keep you from achieving them. If you’d like, share them in the comments below. I'll be cheering for you.

Reason 1: Your Goals Aren’t Big Enough

One reason people don’t reach their goals is that their goals aren’t big enough to inspire them. Tony Robbins says people take action for two reasons: desperation or inspiration. I’ve found this to be true.

Goals that don’t challenge or excite us often lack the energy needed to ignite action.

For example, I set a goal in 2021 to write 12 books in 12 months. Though I only completed six, that big, ambitious goal energized me. It pushed me to finish projects I had been procrastinating on. Consider whether your goals are big enough to inspire you or if they feel more like “should” goals (e.g., “I should pay off this credit card”). If your goals feel uninspiring, connect them to something more meaningful—like paying off a credit card to free up money for new family adventures—and make the process fun.

Reason 2: You’re Not Connected to Your Goals

Another common obstacle is a lack of connection to your deeper “why.” Your goals might not align with your core values. To overcome this, ask yourself why each goal is important. For example, if you want to write a book, dig deep: Is it to raise your expert status? Attract more clients? Help others? Eventually, you’ll uncover the core motivation, like living your purpose or using your gifts. This connection makes your goals feel urgent and meaningful.

Reason 3: Uncertainty

Uncertainty—not knowing what to do—can keep us stuck. It might lead to taking endless courses or feeling overwhelmed by indecision. The cure is action. Even small steps can create momentum. Imagine someone offered you a million dollars to achieve your goal—you’d figure out how to start quickly! Similarly, asking for help from a coach or mastermind group can provide clarity and guidance.

Reason 4: Fear

Fear manifests in many ways: procrastination, perfectionism, or self-sabotage. It’s normal and even protective, but it can hold us back. To work with fear, raise your awareness and ask, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Often, the worst-case scenario isn’t as catastrophic as we imagine. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and take action despite fear. The more you act, the less control fear will have over you.

Reason 5: Not Doing the Work

Sometimes, we simply don’t put in the work required to achieve our goals. This can look like playing small, giving in to feelings, or settling for less. To overcome this, build habits that support your goals. Even small, consistent actions can lead to big results. For example, I’ve made it a habit to email my list almost daily. This consistency has been a game-changer for my business.

Tools and Strategies for Success

• Reconnect with Your Why: Regularly review your deeper motivations.
• Create Success Habits: Identify small, daily actions that move you toward your goals.
• Surround Yourself with the Right People: Seek out mentors, coaches, and supportive communities.
• Embrace Accountability: Share your goals publicly or join a group where you’ll be held accountable.
• Experiment: Approach goals with a mindset of curiosity and experimentation.

Introducing The Massage and Spa Success Club

I’m excited to introduce The Massage and Spa Success Club, a dynamic membership program designed to help you take consistent action toward your goals. This program focuses on providing support, resources, and accountability tailored specifically for massage and spa professionals. It’s all about showing up, implementing what you already know, and achieving measurable results.

As a member, you’ll benefit from weekly live calls, a private online community, and exclusive resources to keep you motivated and on track. The club also features monthly challenges and curated content to help you stay focused and inspired. Unlike traditional programs, The Massage and Spa Success Club emphasizes real-world application and building momentum through consistent effort.