Goal setting is part of my life—yearly, monthly, even daily.
Some goals are big and life-changing. Others are small, everyday habits that keep me on track. Either way, the practice of goal setting has taught me more than I ever expected.
You may have heard of the SMART goal framework—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. While it’s a great place to start, not all of my goals fit perfectly into that formula.
Why?
Because some goals are more about alignment than deadlines.
I believe if you take action steps and stay open, blessings and breakthroughs will come—in their own time.
Still, there are a few things I wish I had known when I first started this process. Let me share them with you:
1. The Power of Quarterly Goal Setting
Quarterly goals give you a built-in mini reset every three months.
✅ They keep your year from feeling overwhelming.
✅ They help you adjust course if life changes.
✅ And they allow you to focus on shorter-term wins that build momentum.
Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish in the next 90 days?
2. There Are Two Types of Goals
Understanding this changed everything for me.
🔹 Project Goals
These have a clear endpoint.
Example: “Paint the house.”
Steps might include:
- Buy supplies
- Clear the room
- Do the work
Once completed, goal = done.
🔹 Habit Goals
These have no fixed end—they’re ongoing.
Example: “Stick to my budget” or “Move my body 3x a week.”
They require consistency, not completion.
Knowing which type of goal you’re setting helps you plan how to approach it.
3. How to Actually Set Goals That Stick
Try this process next time you feel stuck:
🧠 Step 1: Brain Dump
Write down all the goals you’d like to achieve before the end of the year.
🌟 Step 2: Pick Your Top 3
Choose the 3 that matter most right now.
🗓 Step 3: Assign to Quarters
Spread your goals across the year.
What makes sense to tackle this quarter? Next quarter?
📋 Step 4: Identify the Type
Is this a project or a habit?
⏰ Step 5: Schedule Time
Dedicate time in your calendar to make progress—daily, weekly, or monthly.
4. Start Small, Build Confidence
Even just taking 15 minutes a day to work on a goal can create real momentum.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
Every goal completed (or every habit practiced) builds confidence.
That confidence compounds and carries over into other areas of your life.
Let’s Talk
What are your goals right now?
Are you just starting out or struggling to follow through?
Let’s help each other get there. 💬 Drop your goals or questions in the comments!
Here is a habit tracker, if you’d like to start tracking those habits!
You can find a project tracker, here.