5 Step Process of Goal Setting

#Goals. This powerful word is everywhere today: #couplegoals, #squadgoals, #lifegoals, #bodygoals—the list goes on. It’s easy to get caught up in the ideal life, body, and mindset we see on social media.

Don’t get me wrong, I love social media. We’re lucky to have access to so much inspiration, information, and opportunities for self-expression. But it’s important not to get too attached to society’s version of “perfection.” Stay grounded in your reality, your true desires, and your personal life goals.

A few months ago, I felt lost—not necessarily due to the pressures of social media, but because I questioned whether my dreams were truly mine or shaped by others’ expectations. Thankfully, I realised this early and refocused on what I genuinely want to achieve.

In this blog post, I’ll share why goal-setting is essential for happiness and fulfilment, along with tips on managing the process. I hope this inspires you to clarify your own #lifegoals and take action! Plus download FREE GOAL WORKSHEETS to help you get inspired to goal set.

Why Set Goals for Happiness and Fulfilment?

I often mention Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and there’s a chapter on goal-setting that always resonates with me. He says, “People spend their whole lives dreaming of becoming happier but don’t take even ten minutes a month to write out their goals.” Setting goals makes life richer, more delightful, and more magical.

If I asked, “What are your main goals?”—would you know right away? If yes, that’s amazing! But many of us haven’t taken the time to reflect and set goals for the next five years or more.

Writing down your goals motivates you to improve and provides the focus you need to take consistent action. It helps you organise your time and opportunities so you can achieve what matters most.

To aid in your goal-setting journey, consider using our Dated Planners, which encourage you to set goals at the start of the year and break them down into manageable action steps throughout the months. For those who prefer a more flexible approach, our Undated Planners are perfect! These can be started at any time and still include all the essential goal-setting features to support you in achieving your personal goals. Want complete goal-setting freedom? Try a Bullet Journal where you can create your own lists, mind-maps and check lists.

Honest Brainstorming: Discover Your True Desires

Before setting goals, allow yourself to dream. If there were no obstacles, what would you want to accomplish? This is where you create the “big picture” and visualise who you want to become. Check out our previous blog post on vision boards for more on this.

Here are a few questions to guide your self-discovery:

What excites and fills me with joy?
What do I want to accomplish or experience?
What skills do I want to develop?
What kind of people do I want around me?
What does my perfect day look like?
What value do I want to provide?

Once you’ve reflected on these, you’re ready to turn these dreams into achievable goals.

Goal-Setting: A Step-by-Step Approach

Writing down your goals and planning steps to achieve them creates positive pressure—it’s a way to challenge yourself and stay motivated. Here’s a simple guide to effective goal-setting:

Categorise your goals into areas of your life (e.g., self-development, fitness, health, career, relationships).
Set 1-3 meaningful goals per area, ensuring they resonate with your true desires. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this?” as Anthony Robbins suggests in Awaken the Giant Within. This will help you clarify your true motivations.
Break down your goals into actionable steps. Without a plan, goals are just wishes. Organise the steps in a logical order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and track your progress by ticking off completed tasks.
Set a timeline. Deadlines help prioritise and focus your efforts. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way!
Review and adjust regularly. Keep your goals visible and check in weekly to see what the next steps are.