How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Like: What Every Gen Z Should Know in 2026

Goals are meant to motivate and inspire, but sometimes they just feel like another task on your to-do list. If you’ve ever set a New Year’s resolution and dropped it within a week, you’re not alone. The issue? Many goals are too vague, too difficult, or simply not enjoyable. The solution: set goals that feel exciting and achievable, so the journey becomes as rewarding as the result.

Why Enjoyment Matters in Goal Setting

When you genuinely enjoy working toward your goal, you’re far more likely to stick with it. Enjoyable goals make the process fun and engaging. They turn "I have to" into "I want to."

Start with What Excites You

Forget about what you think you “should” do. Instead, focus on what truly interests you. Ask yourself:

What’s one thing I’m curious about learning?
What’s something I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
What habit would make my daily life better right now?

Make Goals Specific and Clear

Vague goals like “get healthier” or “study more” are hard to follow through on. Be specific: try “Run twice a week for 20 minutes” or “Review class notes for 15 minutes every evening.”

Break Big Goals into Small Steps

Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into small, actionable steps and celebrate each milestone:

Goal: Learn to code
Steps: Choose a beginner-friendly language → Complete one online tutorial → Build a mini-project → Share it with a friend.
Goal: Save $200
Steps: Open a savings account → Set aside $10 weekly → Track your progress → Treat yourself when you hit $200.

Use the “Goldilocks Zone”

Your goal should be “just right.” If it’s too easy, you’ll get bored. If it’s too difficult, you’ll get discouraged. Aim for goals that challenge you just enough to stay motivated.

Make Progress Visible

Track your progress using a journal, app, or wall chart. Seeing even small improvements can boost your motivation and keep you going.

Pair Goals with Rewards

Give yourself small rewards for completing steps. It could be a favorite snack, a short break, or an episode of a show you love. Rewards reinforce positive behavior.

Stay Flexible

It’s okay for goals to evolve. If something no longer excites you or fits your lifestyle, tweak it. The key is to keep moving forward, not to follow a rigid plan.

Example: Turning a Boring Goal into a Fun One

Boring: “Read more.”
Fun: “Read one fantasy book with dragons this month and share my favorite scene with a friend.”

When You Feel Stuck

If your motivation fades, revisit the reason behind your goal. Was it truly your idea, or were you doing it to meet someone else’s expectations? Adjust your goal to align with your current interests and energy.

Key Takeaway

Goal-setting doesn't have to feel like a chore. By choosing goals that genuinely excite you, making them specific, breaking them down into manageable steps, and tracking your progress, you can turn goal-setting into a fun and fulfilling habit. The best goals are the ones that make you want to show up—not because you have to, but because you love the process.

Find more tips on productivity and personal growth at Ichhori.com.

How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Like: What Every Gen Z Should Know in 2026