🎙️ Podcast Episode: Why You’re Not Reaching Your Goals (And What To Do Instead)
From the Running to Myself Podcast with Trisha Stanton
Hey friends, welcome back to Running to Myself—the podcast where we talk honestly about growth, mindset, and what it really takes to become the person you’re meant to be. I'm your host, Trisha Stanton, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Today we’re talking about a topic that hits close to home for many of us:
Why don’t we follow through on the goals we set?
Why do we get so excited at the beginning—and then lose momentum?
If you’ve ever set a goal and then watched it quietly fall apart… this episode is for you.
Here’s the truth: most people don’t fail because they’re lazy.
They fail because they don’t understand what’s actually required to get from where they are now to where they want to be.
And that gap between desire and discipline? That’s where the real work happens.
In my years coaching runners, I’ve seen this play out again and again.
Someone will come to me wanting to train for a race—excited, inspired, ready to go.
So I build a custom plan based on their current fitness level—not a generic template, but something specifically designed to meet them where they are.
And then what happens?
They get the plan…
They look at the midweek workouts…
And they start skipping the parts that feel uncomfortable.
They only do the long runs on the weekend.
They cherry-pick the fun stuff and skip the hard stuff.
And when race day comes?
They’re unprepared.
Sometimes they get injured.
Or they don’t finish.
Or they feel frustrated and defeated.
This isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness.
Because this same pattern plays out in every area of life:
* Health goals
* Career goals
* Relationship goals
* Personal growth goals
It’s not always that the plan is bad.
Sometimes the plan is exactly what they need—but they’re not following it.
Or, they’re following part of it and expecting full results.
Or… they’re just shocked by how much consistent effort it actually takes.
Let me say this with love:
đź’Ą The results you want will always require more from you than you initially expect.
Here are some of the most common reasons people fail to reach their goals:
* No plan, or a plan that doesn’t match your current ability
* Picking a solid plan but not following it consistently
* Skipping the uncomfortable parts
* Underestimating the gap between where you are and where you want to go
* Expecting quick results without understanding the time, energy, and reps required
* Being derailed by obstacles because the “why” wasn’t strong enough
* Focusing too much on the outcome, not enough on the daily process
Sound familiar?
The fix is simple—but it’s not always easy.
âś… Define the goal.
âś… Choose a realistic, well-matched plan.
âś… And then: turn your focus fully to the process.
Every goal can be broken down into a series of daily actions.
Each day has its own small assignment.
If you complete the task for that day—you win.
That’s how momentum is built. That’s how results are earned.
✨ Show up. Be consistent. Trust the process.
If you’re listening to this and realizing—“Yep, I’ve done that”—
you’re not alone.
You’re not broken.
And you’re not behind.
You just need to adjust how you’re approaching the work.
Because here’s the truth I’ve learned over and over again:
You don’t need a better plan.
You need to commit to the one that already exists.
You don’t need to want it more.
You need to show up for it more consistently.
Ask yourself:
* Where in your life have you set a goal but not followed through?
* What parts of your “plan” are you skipping or avoiding?
* What would change if you fully committed to the process?
If this episode spoke to something in you, know that I’m here to help.
Coaching isn’t about yelling “try harder”—it’s about helping you see clearly, create structure, and show up with support and accountability.
💬 If you’re ready to finally follow through on the things that matter, I’d love to talk.
You can book a free consultation at trishastanton.com.
And if you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to rate and review Running to Myself—it helps others find the show and join the journey.
Until next time, keep showing up.
Process over perfection. Mindset matters.
________________
