Lynda Moore says goal setting is about clarity, planning, and action. She has the roadmap to turn those ideas into accomplishments

Here we go again, it’s nearly the end of the year, and everyone is on about setting goals. I haven’t even had my Xmas dinner yet!  If you just don’t have the energy to think about 2025, I completely get it, all we want to do right now is get to the summer break so we can sleep in, not have to think about work and enjoy some sunshine. So, think of this as a wet day read and action plan.  That’s how I approach my planning for the year. 

I can also hear you saying, “I set goals, but I never reach them”? My response to that, is are they really goals, or just an idea? There's a big difference. There’s also a saying that goes like this, “how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time” It’s like that with our goals, if we try and make them too big, even just starting can seem daunting. Here are a few key strategies that I find useful for me and helped me turn my ideas into goals that I was then able to achieve.  

Clarify Your Goal and Your Why

First things first—You can blame Simon Sinek if you want to, but once again it’s all about the Why. Why do you want to achieve this goal? For some goals, it’s easy to lose motivation if you don’t have a strong reason behind them. Take losing 5kg as an example. If you’re doing it just because you think you should, it’s easy to give up. But if you’ve got a special event in mind and you want to fit into that perfect outfit, suddenly, you’re more invested in the goal. The key is to be crystal clear about why you want to achieve it.

Is This the Right Goal for You?

This is the strategy that was a game changer for me.  Are you sure you want to achieve this goal? Sounds simple, right? But sometimes our minds aren’t on the same page. Maybe you’ve set a goal to double your business but haven’t considered the stress, and time away from your family due to the long hours it’ll require. Your unconscious mind might start pulling you away from that goal if it associates the process with pain or stress. So, make sure the goal you’ve set aligns with your deeper values and priorities, if family is a high value for you, then you might need to rethink how you are going to achieve this goal, so it is something that excites you rather than drains you.

Make Your Goal SMART

Once you’re clear on your goal and its purpose, it’s time to make it SMART. I know it sounds cheesy, but when you are going on holiday, you know where you are starting from, and where and when you want to arrive at your destination. Try booking an online flight without entering where you are now, and where you want to end up.  That’s basically what a SMART goal is, and just in case you’ve forgotten what each step is, here they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals.

For example, let’s say you want to save money. Saying “I want to save money” is an idea, not a goal. But if you set a SMART goal like “I will save $500 in the next 90 days by cutting out unnecessary spending,” that’s a goal you can work towards. You’ve got a specific amount, a time frame, and a clear action plan.

Break It Down into Manageable Steps

You’ve got your SMART goal—now break it down into smaller steps. If your goal is to run a marathon, you’re not going to go from couch to race day overnight. Start by setting smaller goals that lead you to your big goal. For example, “I’ll run 2km every day for the first week.” Breaking it down into manageable steps makes your goal feel achievable and keeps you motivated.

The next step is to plan those small steps. For every 90-day goal, pick the top three actions you can take in the next week or two, then break them down into actions you can take within the next 24 hours. You’ll be amazed how momentum builds when you have a concrete plan in place. It’s all about knowing and taking the very first step.

Review and Reassess Regularly

It’s easy to get caught up in life and forget to review your progress. Taking a step back and reassessing is crucial, particularly for longer term goals.  Are your goals still aligned with what you want? Are your action steps working? If something isn’t going well, it’s okay to tweak your approach. It’s never a straight line, goals take all sorts of twists and turns along the way.

Keep Your Focus on What You Can Control

It’s important to focus on what’s within your control. You can’t control the economy or the weather, but you can control how much time you dedicate to your goal, how much effort you put in, and the choices you make. Focusing on the things you can control makes it easier to stay on track.

Celebrate the Wins

Lastly, make sure you celebrate your successes, no matter how small. When you hit a milestone, take a moment to acknowledge it. This will boost your motivation and keep you on track toward your final goal. It could be something simple, like treating yourself to your favourite snack after a productive week or taking a day off to relax after completing a big task. Celebrate and then keep moving forward! Having a clear end point to your goal and knowing when you have achieved it is as important as the journey to get there.

Goal setting isn’t just about writing something down and hoping for the best. It’s about clarity, planning, and action. Be clear on what you want, why you want it, and how you’ll get there. Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps, stay consistent, and review your progress regularly. With the right mindset and a solid plan, you’ll be well on your way to turning those ideas into accomplishments.

And remember, it’s never too late to start. Whether your goal is big or small, the most important thing is to take that first step.

Ready to set those goals and crush them? Let's get started!

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.