The most common approach to hitting our goals has a fatal flaw – this is the way round it
It’s a familiar story. Every January, we set ambitious resolutions – to get fitter, read more, sleep better, or improve some other area of life. But by the end of the month, most of these goals have already fallen by the wayside.
The problem isn’t motivation. It’s not laziness. And it’s not a lack of effort. The real issue is that the approach most of us take simply doesn’t work. We rely on willpower alone, try to change too many things at once, or obsess over small optimisations before we’ve mastered the basics. These patterns create a cycle of frustration, often making it feel pointless to try again.
What 'The GPS Method' Does Differently
This is where the GPS Method comes in. It’s a simple framework, adapted from how elite athletes approach goal-setting and designed to help you build habits that stick – a way to set goals, create a clear plan, and stay consistent over time.
The method is built around three pillars: Goal. Process. System.
Think of it like a real GPS. You decide where you want to go, you map out the route, and you put simple protocols in place to keep yourself on track when life inevitably throws obstacles in your way.
Elite athletes have understood this principle for decades. Their successes are rarely the result of raw talent or bursts of motivation. Instead, they rely on consistent, structured action over time – what some call the compound effect.
Ben Ainslie’s four consecutive Olympic gold medals in sailing were built on these principles – small, repeated efforts carried out consistently over years. And the same principles that drive elite performance apply just as well to everyday goals like improving your fitness, sleep, focus, or productivity.
Why most resolutions fail:
1 Relying on willpower alone.
Willpower is a finite resource. It’s easy to start strong, but without a system in place, motivation quickly runs out.
2 Trying to change too much at once.
New diets, exercise routines, sleep schedules, and mindset shifts all at the same time may feel exciting, but they are rarely sustainable.
3 Focusing on optimisations before mastering the basics.
Chasing “marginal gains” won’t work if you haven’t nailed the fundamentals first — it’s icing without the cake.
“Willpower alone is simply not enough,” says Professor Greg Whyte, former Olympian and sports scientist.
How The GPS Method Works:
Goal: Define exactly where you want to go. Your goals should be specific, measurable, and meaningful.
Process: Identify the small, repeatable actions that will move you toward that goal on a daily or weekly basis.
System: Create structure around your process. Use milestones, measurement, and accountability to ensure you stay consistent, even when motivation wanes.
Before setting new goals, the method encourages reflection on past attempts. Understanding why previous efforts didn’t stick helps you avoid repeating the same patterns and provides clarity about what actually works for you.
Ultimately, lasting change doesn’t come from a burst of effort at the start of the year. It comes from having a clear, actionable plan – a system that works on your worst days, not just your best.
The GPS Method gives you that structure. By combining a well-defined goal with a concrete process and a supporting system, it turns ambitious resolutions into achievable, sustainable habits.
Take the first step today: download the GPS plan and weekly habit tracker, build your system, and let consistent action do the rest.
