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For me, the fall is a time to ‘get it together,’ and that means goal setting and formulating plans. I couldn’t say why I tend to get in the mode of beginning new projects in the fall. Perhaps it’s a throwback to getting ready for school to begin. Later, we would help our children prepare for the start of school and then, once they were out from under foot, we could start major projects. Some people spring clean, but I fall clean! The new year or a new season is the perfect moment to set new goals and embrace fresh beginnings.

It can be an exciting time but if we don’t have a plan or know how to manage stress, it can be overwhelming. Frankly, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Each moment of beginning is an opportunity to reflect and set new goals. The first step in cutting through the overwhelm is to create specific goals. Having something to work towards, and understanding what it takes to achieve your goal will make all the difference.

Reaching our goals is not always easy, sometimes we must ‘climb the stairs’ which means putting in the effort. I have created a handy (and free!) workbook to help you through the process. Let’s do this!

Introduction to Goal Setting

Goal setting is the crucial first step on the path to success, whether you’re looking to advance your career, complete a degree program, or achieve personal goals that matter most to you. By taking the time to define your objectives, you create a clear direction for your life and ensure you don’t end up heading in the wrong direction. Setting realistic and attainable goals helps you stay focused, prioritize what truly matters, and break down big dreams into manageable steps. When you set goals, you give yourself a roadmap to follow, making it easier to track your progress and stay on track, even when challenges arise. Remember, every journey toward success begins with that first step—deciding what you want to achieve and committing to making it happen. Whether your goals are short term or long term, personal or professional, goal setting is the key to creating the future you desire.

How to Create Goals in 7 Steps

There are many known benefits to setting goals, such as providing focus to drive us forward. But it can be difficult to know where to begin. As ever, darlings, I would never leave you on your own. Here are some tips to help you create goals effectively. Read on and you will learn exactly how to create goals in 7 steps. I’ve included some examples as context, and remember, commitment is key to following through with these steps.

#1 When Creating Goals, Start With the Big Picture

The first thing you need to do when creating a goal is to understand what you want to accomplish. Before diving into the details, it’s important to determine your main objective. You may have a broad sense of what you want, but have you really thought about all that goes into it? Not to worry, darling, there is no need to overwhelm yourself with the enormity of it all. Relax and allow yourself to think about the big picture without dwelling on the details.

What would you like to achieve in the most general sense? Consider what motivates you when setting your objective. It can sometimes be fun to create a mood board on Pinterest. I like to set a timer and only allow myself 15 minutes to generate ideas and add to my mood board. This is to be sure you do not go down a rabbit hole — trust me, it is easily done. There are no rules to creating a mood board. The only ‘goal’ here is to help clarify your understanding of your desired result.

For example, if your goal is to plan a weekend with your girlfriends, you first need to know what that means to you. Does that mean getting a hotel in town and planning a ‘staycation?’ Could it be planning to meet up at a winery for a day? Does that mean going somewhere more exotic? It could even be inviting a couple of friends to your home for the weekend. Only you can decide what your goal is.

Keep in mind this will work with any goal. Whether it be organizing your home, planning a trip, or going back to school. I’ve given examples to help you understand the method but apply it to your own goal.

Have fun with it!

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Defining SMART Goals

When it comes to achieving your goals, using the SMART framework can make all the difference. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach ensures that your objectives are clear and actionable, making it much easier to stay focused and track your progress. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “get healthier,” a SMART goal would be: “Walk 30 minutes every day for the next 8 weeks to improve my fitness.” This goal is specific (walking), measurable (30 minutes), achievable (fits into most schedules), relevant (improves health), and time-bound (8 weeks). By creating SMART goals, you set yourself up for success with objectives that are realistic and motivating. The SMART framework helps you break down your ambitions into steps you can actually accomplish, keeping you focused and moving forward.

#2 Break Down Your Goal

Once you have an idea of the desired outcome of your goal, give it a name. Naming something is paramount to manifesting it.

The next step in creating a goal is breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps.

What does that look like? Let’s use the example of having a planning a girls’ weekend. What would you need to decide first? Who is going on this trip with you? Would you like to stay close by? Do you want to visit warmer or cooler climbs? Once you know the bigger picture things, you can get down to the nitty gritty.

I like to write things down at this point. Personally, I love to use a beautiful notebook or planner. You should use whatever method you prefer when writing lists and making plans.

Turning your plan into a regular practice is key—consistently working on each step will help you make steady progress toward your goal.

#3 Break Your Goal Down Into Mini Goals

The next step, once you’ve created your goal, is to make a plan of action. Put simply, break your plan up into mini goals. By breaking your plan into mini goals, you create short term goals that support your larger objective.

In keeping with the example of the goal of a girls’ weekend, let’s break down the mini-goal.

• Reach out to friends and propose several possible weekends
• Get input on itinerary (or not)
• Research possible destinations
• Send out a questionnaire to your friends to get more info
• Etc.

Each mini goal, as a short term goal, brings you closer to accomplishing your main goal.

Identifying Resources and Support

Achieving your goals often requires more than just determination—it’s about having the right resources and support in place. Start by identifying what you’ll need to succeed, whether it’s time, money, new skills, or expert advice. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help; building a supportive team or finding a mentor can make a world of difference. Surrounding yourself with people who motivate you and hold you accountable can help you stay on track and manage challenges as they arise. Consider what tools or knowledge you might need to move forward, and don’t hesitate to invest in yourself by learning something new or seeking guidance. By recognizing and gathering the resources and support you need, you create a realistic and achievable action plan that brings your goals within reach.

#4 Execute on Each Step

You’ve learned how to create goals, now it’s time to execute—each step will push you closer to your goal. Luckily, dear reader, you have a detailed road map. All you have to do is follow the route! There’s real satisfaction in crossing completed tasks off your list as you make progress.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated is key to achieving your goals, especially when the initial excitement starts to fade. One of the best ways to keep your momentum is to break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate each milestone along the way. This not only makes the process less overwhelming but also gives you regular boosts of motivation as you see your progress. Remind yourself why your goal matters and how it aligns with your values—this sense of purpose will help you stay focused and committed, even when things get tough. Find ways to make the journey enjoyable, whether it’s by rewarding yourself for small wins or sharing your progress with a supportive friend or team. By staying motivated and focused, you’ll be able to overcome obstacles, stay on track, and achieve the success you’re working toward.

#5 Make Adjustments as Needed

One thing I want you to remember is that no matter your plan, things can still change. This is to be expected and is completely okay. Sometimes, you may realize your original plan needs to be adjusted based on new insights or progress. Depending on the enormity of the change in plan, there are a couple of ways forward. You can either replan that mini-goal or work your way back down from earlier on in the planning process. It’s also okay to fail—failure is part of the process and an opportunity to learn and grow. The wonderful news is, you have a process! You can do this.

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Creating a System for Tracking Progress

To achieve your goals, it’s essential to create a system for tracking your progress. This could be as simple as a weekly checklist, a dedicated planner, or a digital app that helps you monitor your achievements. Make sure your tracking system is time bound and measurable, so you can clearly see how far you’ve come and what still needs to be done. For example, if your goal is to read more, you might set a target to finish one book per week and log your progress in a reading journal. Regularly reviewing your progress keeps you focused, motivated, and allows you to identify areas where you might need to adjust your approach. By creating a reliable system to track your journey, you’ll stay on course, celebrate your successes, and make any necessary changes to ensure you reach your finish line.

#6 Give Yourself Grace

We all know the phrase “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Thankfully, many of us find it easy to forgive others. Unfortunately, we are not very gentle with ourselves when things go awry.

Even the most carefully laid out plan can have bumps in the road. The most important thing to remember is when things are out of your control, is that you cannot change them. It’s easy to fall back into old habits after a setback, but what is always in your control is how you react to a situation.

If things do not go as planned, this does not mean you’ve failed. It could mean that you have to take a breath and adjust. Or perhaps, it could mean that something even better is in store for you. Let go of what you cannot control or change, and try not to spend too much time thinking about what went wrong—focus on moving forward instead. You will be much happier when you do.

#7 Celebrate Your Accomplishment!

I smile because positivity is in my DNA!

You did it! No matter how everything turned out, you should celebrate yourself and the work that you put in. Achieving your goal is a sign of being successful, whether it’s in your personal life, your careers, or your job. You learned how to create goals. Chances are, if you followed your steps, you took a lot of the guesswork out of making things happen. This, in itself, is an accomplishment—sometimes reaching your goal can feel like coming in first place. So break out the bubbly and celebrate yourself. You deserve it.

You are worth it, darling.

At times the big picture can be overwhelming. When we are overwhelmed we may simply shut down. Think of all of the wonderful things we may miss out on if we give up before we start!

These steps can help you achieve your goals in your careers or job, or even lead a team to success. I hope that you will not shy away from creating your own goals in the future. You have all of the tools you need to create the life of your dreams. Though that may sound a little grand, I believe it to be true.

And what better time to learn to conquer your goals than the fall? Be at peace knowing you now know how to create goals.

What is a goal that you are focused on going into this holiday season? Please share with me in the comments. I love hearing from you!

HAVE YOU ATTEMPTED TO REACH A GOAL? HOW DID IT GO? DID YOU HAVE A SOUND PLAN? PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY IN THE COMMENTS!

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