Discover the proven 5 step process to success by setting goals, identifying problems, diagnosing solutions, designing strategies, and taking action.
Understanding Success As A Journey
Success does not happen overnight. It is not a single event or a lucky break, but a journey that follows a repeatable process. Whether you want to achieve financial freedom, build a thriving business, improve your health, or simply live with more purpose, the road to success can be broken down into five essential steps: Goals, Problems, Diagnose, Design, and Do It.
Most people fail because they skip one or more of these steps. They set vague goals but never confront their problems. They see obstacles but fail to diagnose them properly. They design solutions but never take the step to implement them consistently. True success comes from following this sequence fully, with discipline and persistence.
In this post, we will explore each of these five steps in depth, unpack real-life examples, and provide you with practical strategies to apply in your own life. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to turn your ambitions into tangible results.
Step One – Defining Your Goals With Clarity
Every success story begins with a clearly defined goal. Without goals, you are like a ship drifting at sea without a compass. Goals give you direction, focus, and motivation. They transform vague wishes into measurable targets.
When setting goals, it is important to be specific. Saying “I want to be rich” is not a goal—it’s a wish. A real goal is measurable and time-bound, such as: “I want to save £20,000 in the next 18 months” or “I want to lose 15 pounds by the end of this year.”
A proven method for creating effective goals is the SMART framework:
- Specific – What exactly do you want?
- Measurable – How will you track progress?
- Achievable – Is it realistic with effort?
- Relevant – Does it align with your bigger vision?
- Time-bound – When do you want it accomplished?
But clarity is not just about words on paper. You must connect emotionally with your goals. Ask yourself why they matter. Why do you want to earn more money? Why do you want to start a business? The emotional drive behind your goals will keep you moving when motivation fades.
Practical Exercise: Take 20 minutes today to write down your top three goals for the next year. Make them SMART and connect each with a strong “why.”
Step Two – Identifying Your Problems Honestly
Once your goals are set, the next step is to confront the problems that stand in your way. Many people avoid this step because it is uncomfortable to admit weaknesses or failures. But without identifying problems, you will never bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
For example, if your goal is to grow your online income, problems may include lack of technical knowledge, poor time management, or inconsistent execution. If your goal is fitness, problems might be overeating, lack of exercise, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Honesty is key. You must be willing to look in the mirror and admit, “This is what is stopping me.” Denial or blame only prolongs failure.
A useful tool is the Problem Log. Every time you face a barrier, write it down. Over time, you will see patterns. Perhaps you procrastinate, overspend, or lack discipline in specific areas. Recognising these patterns is the first step toward solving them.
Mindset Tip: See problems not as enemies but as opportunities. Each problem you solve brings you closer to your goal.
Step Three – Diagnosing The Root Cause
After identifying problems, the next step is diagnosis. This means digging deeper to understand the real cause of your challenges. Too often, people treat symptoms instead of addressing the root issue.
For example, if your problem is “I don’t have enough time to work on my side hustle,” the real cause may not be lack of time but poor prioritisation. If your problem is “I can’t save money,” the cause may be lack of budgeting, impulse spending, or emotional triggers.
Diagnosis requires brutal honesty. You must strip away excuses and ask tough questions. A good exercise is the Five Whys Method:
- Why did I not reach my target?
- Why did that happen?
- Why did that cause exist?
- Why did I not address it earlier?
- Why is it repeating?
By asking “why” five times, you uncover the real issue instead of stopping at surface explanations.
Think like a doctor. If a patient comes with a headache, the doctor does not simply prescribe painkillers. They investigate whether the headache is caused by stress, dehydration, poor sleep, or something more serious. Likewise, diagnose your problems before rushing to solutions.
Step Four – Designing The Right Solutions
Once you have diagnosed the root causes, it is time to design solutions. This step is about creating a practical, step-by-step plan that directly addresses your problems.
Designing is both strategic and creative. It requires you to look at the bigger picture and also pay attention to details. Ask yourself:
- What is the most efficient way to reach my goal?
- What resources or tools do I need?
- What habits must I build or remove?
- Who can mentor or guide me?
If your diagnosis shows that procrastination is your biggest barrier, your design may include setting daily schedules, using accountability partners, or applying productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method.
If your problem is lack of financial knowledge, your design may involve reading books, taking online courses, or seeking mentorship from experienced investors.
The best designs are simple, realistic, and adaptable. Do not overcomplicate with endless plans. Start small, test, and improve as you go.
Example: If your goal is to earn £1,000 monthly from blogging, your design may include:
- Publishing two long-form SEO articles weekly.
- Building an email list of 1,000 subscribers.
- Monetising with affiliate products.
- Tracking progress monthly and refining strategies.
Step Five – Taking Relentless Action
All the goals, problem-identification, diagnosis, and designs mean nothing without execution. Success only happens when you take action consistently. This is the “Do It” stage.
Many people fail here because they wait for perfect conditions. They want the perfect plan, the perfect timing, or the perfect opportunity. The truth is, perfection does not exist. The key is to start with what you have and keep adjusting as you move.
Discipline is more important than motivation. Motivation is temporary, but discipline builds habits that carry you through difficult days. Set routines, track your actions, and commit to daily progress.
Break big goals into smaller tasks. Instead of saying, “I will build a six-figure business,” focus on: “I will publish one blog post today.” Small wins compound over time.
Accountability also matters. Share your goals with someone who will hold you responsible. Surround yourself with people who push you forward, not those who drag you down.
Remember, ideas are cheap, execution is priceless. The world does not reward what you plan—it rewards what you do.
Building A Life Of Continuous Success
The beauty of this five-step process is that it is not a one-time formula. It is a cycle you can repeat throughout your life. After achieving one goal, set a new one. After solving one set of problems, new challenges will arise. Each cycle makes you stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
The journey of success is not linear. There will be failures, setbacks, and disappointments. But if you keep following the process—Goals, Problems, Diagnose, Design, Do It—you will always move forward.
Great leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators all use this process, consciously or unconsciously. They set ambitious goals, face their problems honestly, diagnose root causes, design practical strategies, and execute relentlessly.
If you adopt this mindset, success becomes not a distant dream but an inevitable outcome of your daily habits.