Why Health Goals Fail (and How Small, Consistent Steps Help You Finally Win)

Let’s imagine an old-school video game. Think of something like Mario Brothers. Each level has a clear beginning and end, with obstacles and challenges scattered throughout. Some sections feel easy and rewarding. You jump effortlessly over small boxes, punch a series of coin blocks, and hear that satisfying ding as the coins stack up. Progress feels fun. Motivating.

Then you reach that part of the level.

The one that requires a perfectly timed jump over a deep void. You’re expected to land on a moving block while something spins or shifts in front of you. You fail. Over and over again.

You know success is possible. You can almost feel the relief and accomplishment on the other side, but no matter how many times you try, you can’t quite clear that hurdle. Eventually, you run out of lives and walk away, frustrated and defeated.

Now let’s use that imagery as a parallel for real life.

Life can be a lot like a video game. We move through different “levels” as we set new goals. Each goal has a clear START, a FINISH, and plenty of obstacles in between. Certain moments naturally inspire us to reset or create a fresh vision. It could be New Year’s resolutions, birthdays, career changes, upcoming events, or simply a desire to show up as the best version of ourselves.

Whatever inspires your next level, the path forward requires the same thing every time: intention and a plan.

Getting from A to Z isn’t magic. It doesn’t happen by willpower alone. You have to map out how you’ll move forward.

If progress is what motivates you, then your plan should include small, achievable wins. Easy jumps, simple punches, and moments of reward that keep momentum alive. Those early successes matter more than we realize. They build confidence and remind us that we can move forward.

Putting excessive pressure on ourselves by designing one massive, unrealistic leap is one of the fastest ways to fail. Breaking goals into smaller steps isn’t lazy. It’s realistic. It’s strategic.

The beginning of a new journey is exciting. Energy is high. Expectations are big. This is exactly when it’s most important to slow down and design a path that supports you. Assuming you’re capable of impossible leaps sets you up for frustration. Choosing manageable, enjoyable steps sets you up for success.

If you’re looking for guidance, we created a Health Goal Workbook to help. It walks you through visualizing your goal, breaking it down into sustainable actions, tracking progress, and celebrating success along the way.

You don’t need more lives. You just need a better level design.