Fruit-Bearing Appointments: Why Goals Need Structure, Accountability, and the Courage to Pivot

If you’ve ever felt energized about a goal—only to feel stuck a few weeks later—you’re not alone. Goal setting is easy. Goal achievement is where most people struggle. Let’s start with the reality.

The Truth About Goals (and Why Most Don’t Stick)

Research shows that people who explicitly set goals are 10 times more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. Whether you call them goals, intentions, or resolutions doesn’t matter—what matters is that they are clearly defined and documented.

Yet, most goals don’t survive long:

• 25% of people quit within the first week

• 80% of goals fail by mid-February

• Only 8% of people actually achieve their goals

That 8% matters. Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s positioning yourself to be part of that group. The good news? There are proven pathways to get there.

Accountability Changes Everything

One of the most powerful success factors is accountability. Studies show that having a specific appointment with an accountability partner increases goal achievement by 95%.

Read that again.

It’s not about willpower. It’s about structure.

Fear—of failure, rejection, or getting it wrong—often stops people from moving forward. Accountability provides perspective, momentum, and support when doubt creeps in.

At Mays & Associates, accountability is built into our leadership communities and executive sessions. Goals are not set and forgotten—they are revisited, refined, and reinforced.

If You Can’t Name Your Last Three Goals, Pause

Here’s a simple reflection exercise:

Can you name your last three goals?

If not, they likely weren’t documented—and undocumented goals rarely succeed. Successful goal setting requires a clear path forward, not just ambition. Whether you’re:

• Launching a business

• Trying to grow sales or clients

• Questioning whether your work is making a difference

Reflection is not a delay—it’s part of the process. As shared in The PinLeader Path, a goal is like a seed. Action is the water. When consistently tended, goals bear fruit.

When You Get Stuck: Focus on the Pivot

Every leader reaches a point where progress stalls. Outside forces interfere. Plans derail. Momentum slows. This is where many people quit—but the most successful leaders do something different: they pivot.

Over 20 years of leadership development and working with more than 24,000 individuals, one truth remains consistent: often, the best outcomes exist on the other side of disruption.

Not every pivot is wanted. But every pivot can be managed. Change will happen. The question is whether you manage it—or let it manage you.

Three Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now

1. Keep Fruit-Bearing Appointments Join a leadership community, professional development group, or accountability partnership. If yearly goals feel overwhelming, you’re not failing—you just need structure.

2. Think in 90-Day Goals Instead of focusing on an entire year, plant smaller seeds. Ninety-day goals allow you to celebrate wins, track progress, and adjust before momentum is lost.

Consistency matters. Tracking matters. Celebration matters.

3. Measure What Matters Every goal needs:

• Clear action steps

• A defined measurement (numbers, percentages, consistency)

What gets measured gets managed—and what gets managed gets accomplished.

A Note on AI and Goal Setting

AI can be a helpful tool, but it is not a replacement for strategic thinking, lived experience, or trusted advisors. AI only works with the information it’s given—and not all information is equal.

For meaningful progress, pair tools with trusted strategic partners who can help you navigate pivots and plan effectively.

Final Thought

Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through intention, planning, accountability, and the willingness to adapt.

If you want to be part of the 8%—the ones who see their goals through—start by keeping fruit-bearing appointments.

We’re here to support you, challenge you, and help you grow. And we know you’re capable of great things.