Did you know that by this time of year, 80 per cent of people have already abandoned their 2025 goals? That means only 20 per cent are still actively working toward what they set out to achieve.

So why does this happen? Why do so many give up so soon? Is it a lack of motivation, poor planning or did they even start in the first place?

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: you don’t want to be in that 80 per cent. It’s easy to say, “I want to be in the 20 per cent,” but the reality is, most people struggle to sustain their efforts because—simply put—it’s not easy.

 

The challenge of staying on track

 

As Realtors, we wear many hats. Achieving work-life balance is something we all desire, yet it often feels out of reach. We got into real estate for freedom and flexibility, along with the opportunity to earn a good income. But what we didn’t fully anticipate was the expectation that clients would call us at any hour and that we should be ready to drop everything for them.

So how can we stay on track with our goals while constantly managing the needs of others? The first step is to recognize that helping others get what they want can also help you get what you want. But to truly achieve success—without feeling overwhelmed—you need to define what success actually means to you.

 

What do you really want?

 

I recently led a training session for a group of Realtors and asked them what they truly wanted. One woman said she wanted to be a top producer. I followed up with a simple question:

Me: Why do you want to be a top producer?
Her: So I can be more successful.
Me: Why?
Her: So I can make more money.
Me: Why?
Her: So I can take care of my family.
Me: What does that mean—take care of them how?
Her: Give them a home, put food in the fridge, take them on vacations… you know, that kind of stuff.
Me: Now we have a deeper understanding of why you want to be a top producer.
Her: (smiling) I get it.

Most people don’t take the time to dig deep enough to uncover their real motivation. Without that understanding, they lack the drive to push through on tough days—when they don’t feel like working hard. And that’s why so many don’t follow through.

If we want to succeed, we need to go beyond surface-level goals. Most people say they want more money—but why? When we dig deeper, the real answer is almost always more time. More time for family, travel, personal passions, or simply enjoying life.

To achieve our goals, we must be intentional with our time. We’re constantly juggling responsibilities, and if we don’t take control, overwhelm will take over. That’s why being proactive—not reactive—is essential.

 

How to stay on track using the 80/20 rule

 

At just six weeks into the year, now is the perfect time to evaluate your progress and ensure you’re in the 20 per cent who stay committed. If you’ve lost momentum, here’s how to regain it—and maintain it—using a structured approach.

1. Define your vision

Ask yourself what you truly want in life. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years? What have you accomplished? Who are you with? Write it all down.

2. Quantify your goals

Once you’ve identified your vision, break it down into measurable goals. How much do you want to earn? How long will it take to achieve your targets?

3. Break down long-term goals into annual goals

Take your big goal and divide it by the timeline you’ve set. For example, if you want $5-million in the bank in five years, you’ll need to work toward earning $1-million per year.

4. Identify action steps

For each goal, outline the specific actions required to achieve it. If your goal is weight loss, your action steps might include exercising three times a week and following a healthy meal plan. If your goal is financial, define how you’ll generate the necessary income and what steps you’ll take to save and invest.

5. Break down annual goals into monthly, weekly and daily targets

Don’t just focus on the big annual number. Break it down into manageable steps: monthly, weekly, daily, and even hourly tasks. This ensures consistent progress.

6. Plan your days with intention

At the end of each day, map out the next one. Schedule time for the specific actions that will move you closer to your goals.

7. Track your progress daily

Monitor your schedule and track your efforts. Acknowledge what you’ve completed and what still needs attention. Keeping a goal tracker allows you to visually see your progress toward weekly, monthly, and yearly objectives.

 

Winning with the 80/20 rule

 

Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter and staying disciplined. Most people fall off track because they don’t have a system in place. By following these seven steps, you’ll not only finish Q1 strong, but you’ll also set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling year.

Make the decision to be part of the 20 per cent who stay committed. Reduce overwhelm, stay focused, and ultimately, achieve what you truly want in life. Stick to the plan, and 2025 will be a year of real success.