How Changing Your Words Transforms Your Goal Setting
Words matter—especially in goal setting. The language you use shapes your mindset, your motivation, and your ability to follow through. Many people wonder how to set goals that actually lead to action. One of the simplest ways to create effective goal setting is to shift from “try” to “will.”
Compare the difference:
“I will try to find 5 new clients.”
“I will work diligently in networking and marketing in order to get 5 new clients.”
The second statement reflects intention setting, focus, and purpose—core ingredients for achieving goals.
Why Saying “Try” Makes Your Goals Optional
If you’ve ever created goals and said, “I’ll try to…” you’ve likely experienced the frustration of inconsistent follow-through. Words like try and can may seem harmless, but in the psychology of motivation and goals, they create an escape hatch.
Using “try” signals:
The commitment is optional
The action is negotiable
The desired result is not required
In other words, when your goals start with try, your brain subconsciously believes the outcome is flexible, not essential.
For business goal setting, personal growth, fitness, or emotional wellness, optional language leads to optional outcomes.
Why “I Will” Creates Clarity and Commitment
When you shift your goal statements from “try” to “will,” your brain responds with greater focus and determination. “I will” creates action-based goals, which research consistently shows are far more successful than outcome-only goals.
Examples:
“I will connect with 5 new people this week.”
“I will ask people in my network to introduce me to others doing similar work.”
“I will follow my marketing plan every week.”
“I will run four days a week to build endurance.”
These statements reflect:
Ownership
Direction
Intention
Accountability
This is effective goal setting because it focuses on what you will do, not just what you hope happens.
Action Goals vs. Outcome Goals: Why the Difference Matters
Outcome goals often sound like:
“I want to lose 20 pounds.”
“I want 5 new clients.”
“I want to run a marathon.”
But action-based goals sound like:
“I will prepare healthy meals during the week.”
“I will network consistently.”
“I will follow my training plan.”
Action goals keep you grounded in behaviors you control. Outcome goals depend on variables outside your control.
Successful goal setting strategies focus on behaviors.
Ultramarathon Training: A Real Example of Action-Based Goals
This year, I ran over 1,000 miles preparing for a 35.5-mile ultramarathon. People often view the race itself as the achievement, but in ultramarathon training, the real achievement is everything that happens beforehand.
I always say:
“The race is the celebration of the work put in to prepare for the race.”
The real goal was:
Getting up early
Running 20+ miles on Saturday mornings
Training consistently
Showing up even when tired
If I had gotten sick, injured, or been unable to finish the race, my goal setting wouldn’t have failed—because my goal wasn’t:
“I will run the race in 6 hours.”
It was:
“I will train for this race.”
“I will prepare myself to perform at my best.”
“I will give 100% on race day.”
This is the essence of effective goal setting: the outcome is a reflection of the work, not the definition of success.
Rewriting Your Goals: From Try to Will
If you want to improve your motivation, follow-through, and results, start by rewriting your goals using “I will.”
Ineffective Goal Statements
“I’ll try to grow my business.”
“I can work out more.”
“I’ll try to be more intentional.”
Effective Goal Statements
“I will reach out to 5 new people each week.”
“I will exercise four days a week.”
“I will follow my morning routine daily.”
“I will schedule therapy twice a month.”
These are actionable goals, the kind that lead to lasting results.
Your Words Shape Your Results
If you want to achieve your goals, grow your business, or improve your life, the transformation starts with your language.
Trying is optional.
Willing is powerful.
So as you set goals for the year ahead, ask yourself:
Am I setting goals based on hope… or commitment?
Because the future you want begins with two simple, transformational words:
I will.