This post is about questions to ask yourself when setting goals.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the site disclaimer for more info.
Setting goals is a fundamental part of personal and professional growth. However, simply deciding on a goal isn't enough. Asking the right questions can mean the difference between success and failure. By engaging in thoughtful self-reflection, you can ensure your goals are realistic, motivating, and aligned with your long-term vision. This year, many seek strategies to set meaningful goals that lead to lasting success. Whether you’re completing a SMART Goals Template or simply brainstorming your ambitions, the following questions to ask yourself when setting goals will help you clarify your direction and help you stay on track.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN SETTING GOALS
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR GOAL CLARITY
Before diving into specific plans, it’s crucial to establish what you truly want and why. When setting goals, the best questions to ask yourself when setting goals should help you gain clarity and motivation.
WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?
Many people set vague goals, such as “be healthier” or “make more money,” without defining what success looks like. A more precise goal would be: “I want to lose 15 pounds by June 30th” or “I want to earn an additional $10,000 this year through freelancing.”
To refine your goal, visualize what achieving it would look and feel like. What changes will it bring to your life? Will it improve your relationships, finances, or overall well-being? The clearer your goal, the easier it is to pursue.
WHY IS THIS GOAL IMPORTANT TO ME?
Understanding your “why” creates deeper motivation. If your reason is purely external, such as societal pressure, it may not be sustainable. Instead, connect your goal to something meaningful: “I want to lose weight to feel more energetic and confident.”
Take a moment to journal about why this goal matters. Consider how achieving it will impact your future and the people around you. The stronger your emotional connection to your goal, the more resilient you’ll be in facing challenges.
IS THIS GOAL ALIGNED WITH MY VALUES AND LIFE VISION?
A goal should fit within your broader life aspirations. If you dream of financial freedom but set a goal to work 80 hours a week, there’s a misalignment. Reflect on whether your goal supports your desired lifestyle.
Ask yourself: Will achieving this goal bring me fulfillment? Does it align with my personal and professional values? If not, consider adjusting it to suit your long-term vision better.
(RELATED POST: How Coaching Can Transform Your Personal and Professional Life)
QUESTIONS TO ENSURE FEASIBILITY AND REALISM
While ambition is great, setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration. The following questions to ask yourself when setting life goals will help ensure your objectives are achievable.
IS THIS GOAL REALISTIC, GIVEN MY CURRENT RESOURCES AND CIRCUMSTANCES?
Consider your time, finances, and skills. If your goal is to run a marathon but you haven’t exercised in years, a better starting point might be a 5K race first.
Break your goal into smaller milestones that make it feel more achievable. For instance, if your goal is to start a business, focus first on market research, then branding, and finally, product launch.
WHAT CHALLENGES MIGHT I FACE, AND HOW CAN I OVERCOME THEM?
Anticipating obstacles makes it easier to handle them. If your goal is to save $5,000 this year, consider challenges like unexpected expenses and brainstorm ways to mitigate them.
Develop a contingency plan. What will you do if you encounter setbacks? Having alternative strategies can help you stay committed even when the unexpected occurs.
WHAT SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DEVELOP TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL?
Do you need certifications or additional training if you aim to switch careers? Identify gaps and start working on them.
Research books, courses, mentors, or workshops that can help you gain the necessary skills. Continuous learning ensures that you are prepared to tackle your goal with confidence.
(RELATED POST: Top 11 Reasons to Make a Career Change at 40)
QUESTIONS TO MAINTAIN MOTIVATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Once you’ve set your goals, the challenge is staying motivated. These are questions you can ask yourself to help you sustain momentum.
HOW WILL I MEASURE MY PROGRESS?
Tracking progress is the key to motivation. If you’re setting fitness goals this year, tracking weight loss, muscle gain, or endurance improvements can help you stay engaged.
Consider using a journal, planner, or app to log your progress. Regular weekly or monthly check-ins will help keep you accountable and allow you to celebrate small wins along the way.
WHO CAN SUPPORT ME AND HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE?
Having an accountability partner such as a coach, mentor, or friend can increase your chances of success. Joining a support group or online community can also be helpful. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals pursuing similar goals can provide encouragement and fresh perspectives.
HOW WILL I STAY MOTIVATED WHEN PROGRESS SLOWS?
Inevitably, motivation dips. Plan for it by identifying motivational strategies, such as rewarding yourself for small wins or revisiting your “why.”
Develop habits that keep you engaged, such as listening to inspiring podcasts, reading success stories, or practicing visualization techniques. Motivation fluctuates, but discipline and consistency will carry you through.
(RELATED POST: What Does a Mindset Coach Do? Discover Your True Potential)
QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE AND ADJUST GOALS OVER TIME
Goals should be dynamic, not static. The following questions will help you stay adaptable.
AM I ENJOYING THE JOURNEY OR ONLY FOCUSED ON THE RESULT?
If you dread every step toward your goal, it might not be right for you. Consider modifying your approach to make it more enjoyable.
Find ways to incorporate fun into your progress. For example, try new workout classes, engage in outdoor activities, or team up with a workout buddy if you're working toward fitness goals.
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED SO FAR, AND SHOULD I ADJUST MY GOALS?
Reflecting on progress helps you refine your approach. If your original goal was too ambitious, adjusting doesn’t mean failure. It means you're being smart.
Take note of what strategies have worked and what haven’t. If necessary, break your goal into smaller steps or shift your timeline to make it more realistic.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP AFTER I ACHIEVE THIS GOAL?
Once you achieve a goal, it’s time to set a new one to maintain momentum and continuous growth.
Growth is a lifelong process. After celebrating your success, reflect on what new challenges you want to take on next. Setting incremental goals ensures that you’re always striving for improvement.
(RELATED POST: Mastering Motivation: 5 Essential Steps to Increase Your Drive)
One of the most powerful ways to ensure success is to ask the right questions before, during, and after setting goals. Whether setting personal development, parenting, or career goals, taking the time to reflect can make all the difference. Success is not just about achieving a goal but also about development and learning. By consistently questioning and refining your objectives, you can cultivate a growth mindset that will serve you now and in the future.
MINDSET | ACTION:
Now that you have a list of powerful questions to ask yourself when setting goals, get to work! Start by writing down your goals and answering the questions above honestly. The key to success is setting, continuously evaluating, and refining SMART goals. You can do it!
This post was about questions to ask yourself when setting goals.
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:
How to Write Career Goals That Keep You Motivated and Focused
Maximize Your Pay: How to Negotiate Promotion Salary
From Good to Great: Expert Tips for Writing a Professional Resume
Last Minute Interview Tips: How to Impress Even with Limited Prep Time
