How to Set 'Good Enough' Goals and Still Succeed

Raise your hand if you’ve ever abandoned a goal because it felt impossible to reach. (Yep, same here.) We’ve all been caught in the perfectionist trap — believing that if a goal isn’t massive and life-changing, it’s not worth pursuing.

But what if I told you that "good enough" goals are actually the secret to long-term success?

Spoiler alert: They are.

Setting good enough goals means creating targets that are realistic, flexible, and aligned with your current life. They’re the antidote to burnout, decision paralysis, and the dreaded “all or nothing” mindset.

Let’s dive into why good enough goals work, how they’ll keep you moving forward, and how to set them without feeling like you’re settling.

Why Good Enough Goals Work

1. They Keep You Moving

Perfectionism whispers, “If you can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all?” Good enough goals shut that voice down. By aiming for progress, not perfection, you stay in motion — and momentum is everything.

Think of it like pushing a car. The hardest part is getting it to move from a dead stop. But once it’s rolling, even small pushes keep it going. Good enough goals are those small pushes.

2. They Reduce Overwhelm

Big, audacious goals are exciting until they’re not. Suddenly, that “I’m going to write a novel in 30 days” plan turns into a Netflix binge and self-loathing. Good enough goals break the mountain into molehills.

Instead of focusing on the overwhelming finish line, you focus on one step at a time. One sentence instead of one chapter. One walk instead of a marathon. And guess what? It works.

3. They’re Sustainable

Burnout is real, and chasing unattainable goals is the fastest way to get there. Good enough goals let you maintain a balanced pace, making it easier to stay consistent.

Would you rather do a 20-minute workout three times a week for a year, or crash after two weeks of intense, daily training? Consistency always wins.

4. They Build Confidence

Nothing builds confidence like showing yourself that you can follow through. With every goal you complete — even a “good enough” one — you prove to yourself that you are capable. That confidence? It snowballs.

And here’s the kicker: Most of the time, good enough goals lead to even bigger results because they keep you in the game.

How to Set Good Enough Goals

1. Define What “Good Enough” Looks Like

Ask yourself: What’s a reasonable, achievable outcome? Not the “dream scenario” — but something that moves you forward without requiring Olympic-level effort.

Example: Instead of saying, “I’ll read 52 books this year,” try “I’ll read 20 pages a day.” It’s consistent, manageable, and still adds up over time.

Make it Relatable: Think of it like meal prepping. You don’t need gourmet meals for every lunch. Some days, a sandwich and an apple are more than good enough.

2. Embrace the 80% Rule

Done is better than perfect. Aim for 80% completion instead of 100%. That last 20% is often the hardest and least impactful.

Example: Want to start working out? Commit to three 20-minute sessions a week instead of an intense 6-day schedule. You’ll build momentum without exhausting yourself.

Relatable Moment: Ever clean your house, but skip that one pile of laundry? The place still looks great. Same logic applies to goals. Imperfect progress still counts.

3. Adjust as You Go

Life happens. Kids get sick, deadlines pop up, and motivation tanks. Good enough goals give you wiggle room. Adjust without guilt and keep moving forward.

Example: If meal prepping every Sunday isn’t working, try prepping every other week. Progress still counts.

Make it Relatable: It’s like using GPS on a road trip. Miss a turn? The map recalculates. Your goals can, too.

4. Celebrate the Wins

Every small win matters. Finished half your goal? Celebrate it. Good enough goals teach you to value the journey, not just the destination.

Example: Completed four out of five workouts this week? That’s a 4-win streak worth acknowledging!

Relatable Moment: Think of it like leveling up in a video game. Even small progress unlocks the next level — and you don’t have to be flawless to win.

When to Level Up

Good enough doesn’t mean stagnant. Once you’re consistently hitting your goals, challenge yourself. Slightly increase your target and see how it feels. Growth thrives on incremental progress.

But remember — there’s no finish line. The goal is sustainable success, not an exhausting sprint.

Example: If 20 minutes of daily exercise becomes second nature, bump it to 30. Growth without the grind.

Final Thoughts

Good enough goals aren’t about lowering your standards. They’re about setting yourself up for success without the pressure of perfection. Progress is the name of the game, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

So next time you’re tempted to set an unrealistic goal, pause. Ask yourself, What’s my good enough goal? Then go after it — one manageable step at a time.

Because good enough isn’t settling — it’s succeeding.