Why Goal Setting Matters
Goals give direction to your planning. Without clear goals, planning becomes aimless list-making. With goals, every task connects to a bigger purpose.
The SMART Goal Framework
Specific
Vague: "Get healthy"
Specific: "Exercise 4 times per week for 30 minutes"
Measurable
Define how you'll track progress. Numbers, metrics, and clear indicators of success.
Achievable
Stretch yourself, but stay realistic. Goals should challenge you without being impossible.
Relevant
Align goals with your values and bigger life vision. Why does this goal matter to you?
Time-bound
Set deadlines. "Someday" never comes. "By March 31" creates urgency and focus.
Breaking Goals into Actions
Large goals need to be broken down:
- Yearly goal: Write a book
- Quarterly milestone: Complete first draft
- Monthly target: Write 15,000 words
- Weekly task: Write 4,000 words
- Daily action: Write for 2 hours
Tracking Progress
Review goals regularly:
- Daily: Review daily actions supporting goals
- Weekly: Check progress on weekly targets
- Monthly: Assess monthly milestones and adjust
- Quarterly: Evaluate larger progress and recalibrate
Common Goal-Setting Mistakes
- Setting too many goals at once
- Making goals too vague
- Not writing goals down
- Failing to break them into actionable steps
- Not reviewing and adjusting regularly