How do you set goals for changing your life that set you up for success? And what’s actually involved in setting goals? Well, that’s what you’ll discover in Episode 7 of the Change Your Life! podcast… your practical guide to creating a better life for yourself.
Episode Transcript
Imagine waking up every morning with a clear sense of purpose, knowing exactly what you want to achieve and why. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s much more achievable than you might think and that’s what this episode is all about! I’m going to be sharing lots of practical ways to set goals for your personal growth so you can create the life you want for yourself.
If you’re ready to wake up each day with a renewed sense of purpose and drive, then stick around because this episode is packed with insights to guide you on your journey. So, let’s talk about how to Change Your Life!
Hello and welcome to Episode 7 of the Change Your Life! podcast… your practical guide to creating a better life for yourself!
I’m Jeremy Godwin, I’m a writer, coach, and mental health counsellor, and I talk to clients about this type of stuff for a living (plus you might also be familiar with my other podcast, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, where I teach people how to improve their wellbeing each week). In this special 12-part series I’m sharing all the practical advice I possibly can about how to change your life for the better, based on quality research as well as all the stuff I’ve been learning along the way over the past few years where I’ve been making a lot of changes in my own life.
Last week I talked about how focusing on simplicity can make an enormous difference in your life, and this week I’m going to be exploring how to start creating goals for yourself that help you to achieve the changes you want to.
So, let’s start by talking about…
What are goals?
When we talk about goals, we’re talking about specific targets or milestones that you want to work towards that then serve to guide your journey forward and influence what you do (as well as what you don’t do). They give you direction and purpose, helping you focus your efforts and measure your progress along the way. Imagine you’re planning a road trip; your goals are basically the destination you want to reach. Without them, you might find yourself wandering aimlessly, unsure of where you’re headed or why you’re making the journey in the first place.
And so, identifying and creating goals is probably the most crucial aspect of changing your life because it’s about having a really crystal-clear understanding of where you’re heading and why. And so that probably raises the question: if they’re so important, why are we only just talking about them in Episode 7?! Well, that’s a great question! And the reason why I’ve held off until now to talk about them is that, to be successful, they require a lot of thought — and a lot of planning — before you even think about getting started, and so the previous six episodes have really been us having a conversation about all of the stuff that ideally goes into getting prepared to start making changes… now, and from this episode forward, we get to start talking about the nitty-gritty, action-oriented stuff that’s going to help you to actually work on and achieve the things you need to (or want to) in order to change your life in whatever way (or ways) you’ve identified. The more time and effort you put into your thought processes around your potential goals, before you even create a goal, the more clarity and understanding you’ll have which will then translate into a much clearer view around what you need to do in order to achieve that goal. Think of it this way: if you just get in your car and point it north and start driving, then who knows where you’ll end up… this is about being clear on the specifics of where you’re going to head (and why) so that you’re not just fumbling around in the dark and hoping you reach your desired destination.
In broad terms, identifying goals means taking the time to reflect on what you truly want to achieve in your life. It’s about painting a clear picture of your aspirations, whether they relate to your career, personal life, health, or any other area that matters to you. This isn’t just about writing down a quick list of things you want; it’s a thoughtful process of introspection and understanding your deepest desires and motivations.
In a practical sense, identifying goals means sitting down and clearly defining what success looks and feels like for you. It’s about being specific and detailed, transforming those vague ideas and dreams into concrete objectives. This involves asking yourself some key questions: What exactly do I want to achieve? Why is this goal important to me? How does it fit into the bigger picture I have in mind for my life? How will I know when I’ve reached my goal?
Goal-setting is considered the first step in a model known as the GROW model of coaching and mentoring, which a lot of people who have worked in the corporate sector will no doubt be well aware of (it’s been around for a while, coming out of the United Kingdom in the late 80’s/early 90’s) and the acronym ‘GROW’ stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Way Forward, and I’m going to be using that model to explore those four concepts with you over the next few episodes. I’m doing that for two reasons. Firstly, it’s simple, straightforward, and effective (so there’s no point in reinventing the wheel if something already works well!), and secondly, I was actually an accredited coach in this stuff (and did train-the-trainer sessions on it) so, again, it makes sense to use what I already know and what works! If you recall back to what I said last week, you’ll remember that the simplest solutions are often the best (and that applies to personal development just as much as any topic!).
When it comes to changing your life, having goals that are simple, straightforward, specific, and unambiguous will allow you to stay focused and on-track. By starting with a clear goal, you set the stage for a structured and effective approach that’s then going to help you make meaningful changes in your life.
When you identify your goals, you’re essentially setting the stage for success. It’s about laying down a roadmap that will guide your actions and decisions. This isn’t about making a rigid plan that never changes, but instead it’s about having a clear vision of where you want to go (and why). With this vision in mind, you can navigate the twists and turns of your journey with confidence and purpose.
In practical terms, identifying goals means being SMART about it – with SMART being a common acronym for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This approach helps ensure that your goals are clear and actionable (instead of vague and unstructured). For example, instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” (which is pretty generic) you might set a goal like, “I will do 25 minutes of physical exercise every day for the next three months.” This type of more specific goal is easier to track and measure, making it much more likely that you’ll stay committed and see progress.
But it’s not just about being specific; it’s also about being deeply connected to your goals. When you understand why a goal is important to you, it becomes a source of motivation and inspiration. This connection to your ‘why’ keeps you going when things get tough, and it helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you.
So, goal-setting is an opportunity to get clear on what you want and why you want it. This clarity will serve as your compass, guiding you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life and laying a strong foundation for any changes you want to make.
So, now let’s talk about…
Why goals matter
And they matter because they help to guide your change journey in a more structured and considered way (sure, you can just throw everything at the wall and hope that something sticks… but usually that just ends up with a messy wall and floor that you have to clean up later!).
When it comes to changing your life, personal goals provide direction, purpose, and motivation, helping you navigate the complexities of life and make meaningful progress. But why exactly do personal goals matter so much?
Firstly, personal goals give you clarity and focus. In a world full of distractions and competing demands, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s truly important (especially when we have so many different things and people demanding our attention). Goals help you to cut through all the noise and focus your energy on what matters most to you. They act as a filter, allowing you to prioritise your time and resources more effectively. When you have a clear goal, you can make decisions with confidence, knowing that you’re working towards something that feels meaningful to you. For example, if your goal is to improve your physical health, you can focus on activities and habits that support that objective, like regular exercise and a balanced diet. This clarity helps you avoid wasting time on pursuits that don’t align with your desired outcome.
Secondly, personal goals provide motivation and inspiration. They serve as a source of inner drive, pushing you to keep going even when things get tough. When you set a goal that resonates with you on a deep level, it becomes a powerful motivator. It’s like having a beacon of light guiding you through the dark moments, reminding you why you’re putting in the effort and encouraging you to keep moving forward. Imagine you have a goal to start your own business; on difficult days, when the list of challenges you’re dealing with seems almost insurmountable, reminding yourself of your goal can reignite your passion and remind you of the reasons why you embarked on this journey in the first place. This sense of purpose fuels your perseverance and helps you to overcome obstacles.
Thirdly, having clear goals helps to foster personal growth and development. They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to stretch your capabilities. When you set ambitious goals, you challenge yourself to learn new skills, adopt new behaviours, and expand your horizons. This process of striving and achieving leads to personal growth, making you more resilient and capable. For example, setting a goal to learn a new language to a conversational level not only enhances your communication skills but it also broadens your cultural understanding and cognitive abilities. So, each step you take towards achieving your goals actually helps to contribute to your overall development and it enhances your life experience as well.
Another reason why personal goals matter is that they promote accountability and commitment. When you set a goal, you’re making a commitment to yourself and this commitment fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. You become more disciplined and dedicated, knowing that you’re working towards something significant. This type of personal accountability can be further reinforced by sharing your goals with others or seeking support from a mentor or coach. For example, consider the goal of writing a book. By publicly declaring your intention and seeking feedback from your peers, you hold yourself accountable to follow through. This external accountability complements your internal commitment and helps you stay on track.
And then, continuing on, personal goals also create a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Achieving your goals, no matter how small, brings a sense of satisfaction and pride. It validates your efforts and boosts your confidence, helping to reinforce the belief that you are capable of making meaningful changes in your life (which you are!). This positive reinforcement encourages you to set and pursue new goals, creating a cycle of continuous improvement and personal fulfilment. Think about the joy of completing a marathon, or the entire box set of Game of Thrones; the sense of achievement you feel after months of training and dedication is unparalleled and it reminds you that you can accomplish great things when you set your mind to it.
And, lastly, personal goals contribute to a sense of balance and harmony in life. They help you align your actions with your values and aspirations, creating a more cohesive and fulfilling life experience. When your goals reflect your true desires and values, you achieve a greater sense of harmony between your daily actions and your long-term vision. For example, setting a goal to spend more quality time with your family aligns your actions with your value of nurturing relationships. This alignment then brings a deeper sense of fulfilment and balance to your life.
So, in general, personal goals matter because they provide clarity, motivation, and focus. Goals are like your guiding stars as you work to change your life; they illuminate the path ahead, inspire you to keep moving forward, and lead you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. Goals aren’t just about achieving specific outcomes; they’re also about shaping the person you become in the process. Creating goals that are thoughtful, considered, and intentional will help you to create a life for yourself that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
How do you do that? Well that’s a great question that I’m about to answer, but first let’s take a quick break to hear from the brands that help me create this show each week.
AD BREAK [does not play on Premium]
And welcome back! Now let’s talk about…
How to set goals
OK, so the first step is to reflect on your priorities and values — which shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise since I’ve been banging on about this very point throughout the six episodes leading up to this one! Creating and setting meaningful goals for yourself starts with reflecting on what truly matters to you… because if it doesn’t matter, then it doesn’t matter and it’s not worthy of your time and attention. Understanding what matters most to you helps you to identify goals that align with who you are at your core, and you’ll find that goals which are rooted in your priorities and values will feel much more meaningful and motivating. Spend some quiet time journaling about what you believe in and what you want your life to represent. Think about moments when you felt most fulfilled or proud, and identify the values that were at play. Take some time to reflect on your passions and interests, as well as the areas of your life you want to improve. Ask yourself questions like, “What excites me?” and “What changes do I want to see in my life?” Reflecting like this will help you identify goals that are both meaningful and motivating. OK, next…
Visualise your ideal future — make some time for yourself where you won’t be interrupted, and imagine yourself five or ten years down the line. What are you doing? Where are you living? Who are you with? What does your life look and feel like? How do you pay your bills? How do you find joy? This simple exercise helps to provide a clearer picture of your aspirations, which makes it easier to set specific goals. Do this by finding a quiet space, closing your eyes, and allowing your mind to wander. Alternatively, create a vision board with images and words that represent your desired future. This exercise is about bringing your dreams into focus, and it will help you to see what’s truly important to you. Next…
Identify your strengths and passions — think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, because your strengths and passions are really great indicators of where your goals might lie. Working towards goals that leverage your strengths and passions is a lot more enjoyable, and that makes it likely to be more successful and sustainable in the long-term. Start by listing your skills, talents, and interests, and ask friends or family for their input if you’re unsure. Reflect on activities that make you lose track of time because you find yourself feeling fully engaged in them. Aligning your goals with your strengths and passions helps to ensure that they’re both achievable and fulfilling. OK, next…
Consider your past experiences — and by that I mean to reflect on your past experiences to identify patterns and potential insights. Looking at what has worked well for you in the past, and what hasn’t, helps a lot because learning from your past can guide you in setting more effective and realistic goals. You can do this by reviewing past achievements and challenges, and thinking about what you’ve learned from them. Consider moments of success and failure, and identify the factors that contributed to each. This type of reflection provides valuable lessons that can inform your future goals (and it’s worthwhile setting aside some time to do this at least once a quarter, if not once a month). Alright, so my next tip is…
Evaluate your life balance — so, since this show is all about changing your life I want to encourage you to assess different areas of your life, like your career, relationships, health, and personal growth (which is basically what I’ve been getting you to focus on for the past few episodes). Incorporating all of this into your goal-setting helps because a balanced approach ensures that you set goals in all areas of your life and that leads to better overall well-being. Try rating your satisfaction in each area of your life and identifying where you need improvement, which can highlight areas that require attention and guide you in setting comprehensive goals. OK, next…
Set SMART goals — OK, so I could probably spend at least three hours going into the ins-and-outs of what SMART goals are and why they’re effective, but I’m not going to because (a) that’s boring and (b) I don’t want to! So let me give you a short explanation of what I mean (and why I’m suggesting you use this approach) and then if you’re really desperate to learn more about SMART goals you can always Google it. So, SMART stands for five simple criteria in setting effective goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Creating SMART goals (that hit these five things) tend to be much clearer and more actionable, making it easier for you to track your progress and stay motivated; basically, it’s about not being vague (but being Specific instead), having a desired outcome that’s Measurable in a clear and tangible way, making sure it’s something that is actually Achievable, ensuring it’s within reach and Realistic (so you don’t set yourself up for failure), and that whatever goal you set is Time-Bound with a start and end date (to create a sense of urgency and also so it doesn’t just drag on for forever). You can do this by breaking down each of your goals into these five components. For example, instead of saying “I want to be healthier,” you can set a SMART goal like “I will walk 10,000 steps every day for the next three months.” Being much more specific like this helps to ensure that your goals are practical and attainable, which makes you more likely to achieve them. OK, next…
Balance short-term and long-term goals — which helps you to stay much more motivated, because short-term goals provide immediate satisfaction and momentum (and they boost your confidence and self-belief) while long-term goals keep you focused on your big-picture vision. You can do this by identifying a few goals you want to achieve within the next few months and others that you aim to accomplish in the next few years. Set a mix of daily or weekly tasks and overarching objectives, and work on things one day at a time. Celebrate your small victories along the way to maintain your enthusiasm, and regularly revisit your long-term goals to ensure that they remain relevant and inspiring. Alright, next…
Prioritise your goals — so, once you have a list of potential goals then it’s time to prioritise them (because it’s not realistic to try and do everything all at once; trying to usually leads to overwhelm, which leads to giving up entirely). Determine which goals are most important to you and which ones you need to tackle first; this prevents you from feeling overwhelmed, and it ensures you focus on what matters most. The simplest way to do this is to rank your goals in order of importance and urgency, considering the impact of each goal on your overall life and well-being. Prioritising helps you allocate your time and energy more effectively, increasing the likelihood of success. And remember: if everything is urgent, then nothing is urgent… so be ruthless about how you assess your goals so that you can tackle the big-ticket items first and foremost. OK, next…
Break down big goals into smaller steps — big goals can often seem daunting and overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller and more manageable steps makes them feel much more achievable… plus it allows you to see your progress more quickly, which boosts your motivation. Do this by identifying the key milestones required to achieve your big goal and creating a timeline for each step. For example, if your goal is to write a book, break it down into steps like outlining the chapters, writing a certain number of words each day, and revising the drafts. This approach makes large goals feel less intimidating and more manageable. Next…
Identify limiting beliefs — recognise and challenge any limiting beliefs that might be holding you back, because overcoming these mental barriers enables you to set more ambitious and achievable goals. You can do this by writing down any negative thoughts or doubts you have about your abilities and then reframing them into positive affirmations; for example, change “I’m not good enough to start my own business” to “I have the skills and determination to succeed in my own business.” This type of mindset shift can open up lots of new possibilities for you and for your goal-setting. I talked about how to overcome limiting beliefs in Episode 5, if you’d like to explore that topic in more detail (it’s linked in the episode description and in the transcript, which you can sign up to for for free at itsjeremygodwin.com). OK, next…
Consult with a mentor or coach — sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes; someone who isn’t caught up in whatever it is you’re working on and who can give you an honest and objective assessment and advice. I do this type of stuff for my work, and yet I also see my own counsellor and I often work through goals and work things with her because it’s helpful to get a neutral third-party perspective. Speaking with a mentor or coach can provide valuable insights and guidance because they can offer experienced perspectives and practical advice tailored to your goals. Reach out to professionals in your field or those you admire and ask for their mentorship; the worst case scenario is that they say ‘no’ and that’s OK because it won’t harm anyone! Having regular sessions with a mentor or coach can help you clarify your goals and develop a concrete action plan. Alright, next…
Stay flexible and adaptable — life is unpredictable, and sometimes your goals may need to change; I mean, remember when someone got some weird virus and the whole world shit itself?! You never know what’s just around the corner, so staying flexible and adaptable is crucial for your long-term success; it allows you to adjust your goals as needed without feeling discouraged, especially when things are out of your control. Regularly review and reassess your goals and, if circumstances change, don’t be afraid to modify your goals or set new ones. Flexibility ensures you remain resilient and can continue moving forward, even when faced with unexpected challenges. OK, next…
Reflect regularly and adjust — and this is about keeping your goals relevant and aligned with your evolving circumstances and priorities. It’s the reason why I’m limiting this show to just 12 episodes and then I’ll see what happens beyond that point. You can do this for your own goals by setting aside time each month or quarter to reflect honestly on what’s working and what isn’t; be objective and fair when you do that, and don’t beat yourself up for anything that hasn’t worked because everything in life is a risk and what matters more than success is having the courage to try. Make necessary adjustments to your goals and strategies to ensure they remain effective and meaningful, which will help keep you on track and motivated. Next…
Celebrate your progress — take time to celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small, because recognising your progress is important for maintaining your motivation and a positive mindset and it reinforces the value of your efforts (which keeps you feeling encouraged and excited to keep going). You can do this by acknowledging each milestone you reach and rewarding yourself in meaningful ways. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special, taking a mini break, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your success, celebrating progress increases your morale and reminds you of your capability to achieve your goals.
Summary & Conclusion
So, the main thing I’d like to leave you with today is this:
The process of figuring out your personal goals isn’t just about ticking some boxes or following a process so you can rush on to the next step; it’s about discovering and understanding yourself more deeply. Treat it as an adventure and embrace it with curiosity and an open heart, knowing that every step you take brings you closer to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Trust in your ability to create goals that are going to lead to meaningful change in your life, and take those first steps with confidence and enthusiasm. You’ve got the wisdom and strength within you to achieve your dreams — so go ahead, set your goals, and watch as your life transforms in incredible ways. You’ve got this!
So, by way of closing out, each week I like to share a quote that’s relevant to the subject; this is one I created which is adapted from a quote by an unknown author, and it is:
“It’s not the goal that will make you successful, it’s what you do to achieve it.”
Unknown
Alright… that’s it for this episode; next week I’ll be talking about the next step in working on your goals, and it’s based on the second step in the GROW model which is ‘reality’. Before jumping into action of any kind, you’ll find it incredibly helpful to spend time understanding what your current situation is and, most importantly, why things are the way they are. Identifying the reality of your present situation helps to open your eyes and it can even lead you to refine (or completely change) your goals, because it helps you to see why things are the way they are in your life and to start to think about what you can do to change them for the better. So, next time I’ll be talking about what it means to identify your reality, why it matters, and how to do it.
I hope you’ll join me for that episode; hit ‘follow’ on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode (and turn on notifications; I release new episodes on Wednesdays); as I’ve said previously, I’m committing to 12 episodes for this first season, and then we’ll see what happens from there.
If this episode was helpful, please give it a like so other people can find it and leave me a note to tell me what you thought; if you’re on Spotify scroll down and leave a comment in the Q&A section below, or you can find me on Instagram @itsjeremygodwin. Sign up to my mailing list for free at itsjeremygodwin.com to have episode transcripts and audio emailed to you each week, and support me on Patreon for early access to ad-free episodes of all of my podcasts; you’ll find all of those links in the episode description.
Thank you very much for joining me today! Have an absolutely fantastic day, night, whatever it is when you’re listening, and I’ll talk to you next time. Take care!
Change Your Life! is an independent program proudly produced by Reconnaissance Media. For more information, visit reconnaissancemedia.com
Jeremy Godwin 
3 Comments