How to Get Everything You Want: A Reality Check
Discover actionable strategies to achieve your dreams. Learn how to set realistic goals, align them with your values, and create a roadmap for lasting success.
This article was originally published in 2016, and has been republished in 2025.
Let’s face it: the idea of “getting everything you want” sounds like a dream. But what if I told you that achieving your goals isn’t about magic or shortcuts—it’s about clarity, strategy, and persistence? In this post, we’ll explore how you can work toward your aspirations while staying grounded in reality.
Step 1: Figure Out What You Truly Want
This might seem obvious, but identifying what you really want is often the hardest part. Many of us chase societal expectations or fleeting desires without considering what truly fulfills us. Take time to reflect on your passions, values, and long-term vision. Ask yourself:
What brings me joy and satisfaction?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?
How will achieving this goal improve my life and the lives of others?
For example, a tech entrepreneur might initially think they want to build the next billion-dollar app. But after deeper introspection, they might realize their true goal is creating technology that improves mental health access. The clearer your vision, the easier it is to chart your path.
Pro Tip: Write it down! Research shows that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.
Step 2: Align Your Goals with Positive Impact
Your chances of success increase when your goals benefit others. Why? Because people are more likely to support you when your ambitions align with collective good. Think of it as the ripple effect: when you contribute positively to the world, opportunities often flow back to you.
Take Jeff Bezos as an example. While Amazon started as an online bookstore, its mission evolved into making customers’ lives easier through innovation. This broader impact attracted talent, investors, and loyal customers who propelled Amazon’s growth.
Actionable Advice: Reframe your goals in terms of their contribution. Instead of “I want a promotion,” think, “I want to lead my team to achieve X results.”
Step 3: Stop Chasing Unrealistic Dreams
Dream big—but keep it realistic. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout. This doesn’t mean you should settle for mediocrity; instead, focus on SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
For instance:
Unrealistic: “I’ll become a millionaire in three months.”
Realistic: “I’ll save $20K over two years by cutting unnecessary expenses and investing wisely.”
Remember, even the most successful people took years—sometimes decades—to achieve their dreams. Patience and persistence are your allies.
Step 4: Position Yourself for Success
Your environment plays a critical role in shaping your outcomes. Surround yourself with people and opportunities that align with your goals. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, moving to Los Angeles or networking at film festivals might open doors that staying isolated cannot. Similarly, entrepreneurs flock to Silicon Valley because the ecosystem there fosters innovation and provides access to funding.
Real-World Example: If you’re aiming for a leadership role but work in a small company with limited growth opportunities, consider transitioning to a larger organization where upward mobility is possible.
Step 5: Appreciate What You Already Have
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a powerful motivator. Recognizing your existing resources—skills, relationships, or even past achievements—can fuel your next steps.
For example:
A young professional aiming for an MBA might leverage their current network for mentorship or recommendation letters.
A writer seeking publication could draw on past writing experience or feedback from peers.
Gratitude also keeps you grounded and prevents the constant chase for “more” from overshadowing what you’ve already accomplished.
Step 6: The Secret Weapon—Ask for It
The simplest yet most overlooked strategy? Ask. Whether it’s asking for mentorship, funding, or simply sharing your goals with others, making your intentions known can unlock unexpected opportunities.
Dr. Gail Matthews’ research found that sharing written goals with others—and providing regular updates—increases success rates by 76%.
Why? Accountability and support amplify motivation.
Practical Tip: Don’t just ask passively; be specific about what help or resources you need. For instance:
Instead of saying, “I want advice,” try: “Can you share how you approached scaling your business?”
The Reality Check
Here’s the twist: getting everything you want doesn’t mean avoiding hard work or setbacks. It means aligning your desires with actionable plans and being adaptable when life throws curveballs. Success isn’t linear—it’s iterative.
So before heading into the weekend, take five minutes to reflect:
What do I truly want?
How can I make this goal meaningful for others?
Am I being realistic yet ambitious?
What steps can I take today?
Write these thoughts down and revisit them regularly. You might not get everything you want overnight—but with clarity and commitment, you’ll get everything that truly matters.
Have a great weekend—and don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve already come!