How do you plan your goals?
I used to set goals by just thinking about what I wanted and hoping I’d get there eventually. But over time, I realized that without a real plan, most of those goals stayed as ideas and never became reality. Now, I take a much more intentional approach when planning my goals.
First, I start by getting clear on what I actually want. Not what other people think I should aim for, but what really matters to me. I think about the areas of my life that I want to improve—like my health, career, relationships, or finances—and I choose one or two to focus on at a time. That helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed.
When I set a goal, I try to make it specific and realistic. I use the SMART method to guide me: I make sure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant to my life, and has a clear deadline. For example, instead of just saying, “I want to save money,” I’ll say, “I want to save $500 in the next two months by putting aside $62.50 each week.”
Once I’ve set the goal, I break it down into smaller steps. That makes it feel more manageable and gives me a clear place to start. I also try to build habits and routines that support the goal, because I’ve learned that consistency matters more than motivation. I create a system that keeps me moving forward, whether that’s setting reminders, blocking time on my calendar, or tracking my progress.
I check in with myself regularly to see how I’m doing. If something isn’t working, I don’t beat myself up—I just adjust the plan. Flexibility is important because life doesn’t always go according to schedule. What matters most is staying committed, even if I have to take a different route than I originally planned.
And finally, I make sure to celebrate my progress along the way. Even small wins are worth acknowledging. They remind me that I’m moving forward and give me the motivation to keep going. Planning my goals this way has helped me not only achieve more but also grow more confident in my ability to follow through.
My Grandma’s Healthy School 