Today, I’m sharing the exact process I use to set meaningful, actionable goals for the year ahead that I’ve been refining for the last 5 years.

Why Many Coaches Avoid Goal Setting

Resistance is the number one reason people skip goal setting. It often stems from confusion—uncertainty about the steps required or even why you should set goals in the first place.

Here’s the truth: clearly defining your goals (and yes, writing them down) allows you to step back from the whirlwind of daily life and intentionally decide what you want to achieve in your business, family, and personal life. Without this clarity, you’ll simply react to whatever comes your way instead of pursuing the challenges that truly matter to you.

Think of it like piloting a plane. Without precise coordinates, there’s no telling where you’ll end up. Even a small deviation in direction can take you far off course. Goal setting is your way of setting the exact heading for your journey, so you arrive where you want to be.

Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year

Start by looking back on the previous year. Ask yourself:

✅ What worked well, and what didn’t?

✅ What should you start or stop doing?

✅ Were there new offers that succeeded or fell flat? What can you learn from those results?

✅ Where are you now compared to this time last year, and what caused those changes?

Review your calendar, notes, or journals to jog your memory. This reflection sets the stage for informed and intentional planning.

Step 2: Design Your Future

Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to envision the future. One effective exercise is inspired by Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: imagine your own funeral. What do you want people—family, friends, clients, and colleagues—to say about you?

Write three short visions, each in the third person:

1.How you want to be seen in your business.

2.How you want to be viewed by family, friends, and community.

3.How you want to see yourself.

For example, here’s mine for business:

“BJ is a master at crafting customized marketing funnels for life coaches. He’s always seeking to help others along their coaching journey and has learned to simplify and share the best practices he’s discovered.”

These visions form the foundation of your goals by aligning them with your core values and long-term aspirations.

Step 3: Create SMART Goals

Now, turn your visions into actionable goals using the SMART framework:

✅ Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

✅ Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress.

✅ Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals.

✅ Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your broader objectives.

✅ Time-Bound: Set deadlines to create urgency.

For each vision, write multiple goals that will help bring that vision to life. Remember, one goal can often contribute to multiple visions.

Step 4: Time Block Your Actions

Goals don’t achieve themselves—they require consistent action. Use time blocking to schedule the steps needed to reach your goals.

For example, here’s how I structure my mornings:

✅ Morning Routine: 20 minutes of reading for inspiration, followed by 30 minutes of vigorous exercise.

✅ Learning Blocks: Time set aside for completing online courses or educational programs.

✅ Business Goals: Regular blocks dedicated to creating new offers or refining marketing materials.

By assigning specific times to your actions, you ensure progress while avoiding overwhelm.

Keep It Simple and Approachable

This process is designed to be quick and effective. You can complete it in about an hour if you move through it intentionally, accepting your initial ideas and focusing on what matters most. While some goal-setting systems are lengthy and complex, I’ve stripped this down to the essentials to make it approachable for everyone.

The most important part? Do it. Spend time thinking about where you want to go in both your business and your life.

Ready to Plot Your Course?

If you’d like help setting goals for 2025 and creating a plan to achieve them, schedule a free mini session below. Let’s make this your best year yet!