Ownership: How to Take Action to Achieve Goals—One Step at a Time
Respect • Ownership • Connection • Kindness
By Lee Havenga | February 27, 2025
Taking action to achieve goals isn’t about waiting for motivation or making giant leaps—it’s about taking Ownership to make small, consistent moves forward. The hardest part isn’t the steps but overcoming the mental blocks that keep you from doing them. When you break obstacles down into manageable actions, progress becomes inevitable. Below are steps to ROCK thru, taking control and moving toward your goals, one step at a time.
APPLY IT IN 8 MINUTES
5 Simple Steps to Take Action on your Goals
1. Define Your Goal Clearly
Use the SMART approach—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to get clear on what you want to achieve.
Example: “In six months, I will strengthen my friendship by setting and maintaining boundaries that protect my energy.”
2. Identify Your Present Obstacle
Ask yourself: What’s stopping me right now from taking a step forward?
Example: “I don’t know where to begin. I feel drained by the energy this friendship requires, but I’m also afraid that being honest about my feelings could jeopardize the relationship.”
3. Find the Best Solution to That Obstacle
Ask yourself: What’s the most effective way to overcome this one obstacle?
Example: “Seek guidance from a therapist to help me navigate boundaries.”
4. Write a Mini-SMART Goal for Immediate Action
Example: “This week, I will research and contact at least three therapists covered by my health insurance to schedule an initial consultation.”
5. Repeat Until You Achieve Your Goal
Revisit your main goal to stay motivated, then repeat Steps 2-4 with each new obstacle you encounter.
DEEPEN THE IMPACT
Ownership means taking responsibility for your progress, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Connection—another ROCK thru principle—can help you take action and reach your goals. Fear of failure often comes from a fear of judgment or rejection. Strengthening your Connection with trusted people, a higher power, mentors, or even yourself can provide the emotional safety you need to move forward.
MORE RESOURCES
Learn more about why small steps are the key to big success. Read Why Small Steps Help You Achieve More for a deeper dive into the science behind this approach.
Sources:
Lee, Louise. “Focus on Small Steps First, Then Shift to the Larger Goal.” Stanford Business, 17 May 2017, https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/focus-small-steps-first-then-shift-larger-goal.
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