Goal setting is an essential practice that can help individuals and organizations achieve their desired outcomes more effectively and efficiently. There are various goal setting tools and techniques available that can provide valuable support, guidance, and structure for those seeking to set realistic and attainable goals.
By employing these resources, you can confidently work towards your objectives while overcoming the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way.
One widely recognized approach to goal setting is the SMART framework, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. (Here at YLB we’ve slightly changed the ‘achievable‘ to ‘audacious‘ but we’ll get to that.)
This methodology encourages a detailed understanding of the goal and ensures that it is well-defined, trackable, and attainable.
Additionally, there are several worksheets, templates, and workshops available to further assist in the goal setting process, catering to various age groups, professions, and purposes.
As goal setting continues to gain prominence as a vital skill in achieving personal and professional success, these tools and techniques will play an increasingly important role in turning dreams into reality.
By understanding the various approaches and resources available, you can choose the most appropriate and effective methods to set and strive for your goals.
Understanding Goal Setting Models
Goal setting is a powerful motivator that can help clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, and increase your chances of achieving what you want in life. In this section, we’ll explore several goal setting models that you can employ to improve your personal and professional life.
Goal Setting Theory
Developed by psychologists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, the goal setting theory examines the relationship between goal setting and task performance. They discovered that clearly set, challenging goals contribute to enhanced performance and motivation. Commitment to achieving these goals maximizes the effectiveness of the goal setting process.
SMART Goals
SMART goals is a well-known goal setting tool that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting SMART goals, you can:
- Clarify your objectives and expected outcomes
- Focus your efforts and resources
- Monitor your progress and adapt when necessary
The SMART framework ensures that your goals are clear, realistic, and attainable, reducing the likelihood of failure and increasing motivation.
GROW Model
The GROW model is a coaching tool that can help guide the goal setting process. GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options (or Obstacles), and Will (or Way forward). The model consists of four steps:
- Goal: Establish a specific, measurable, and time-bound goal
- Reality: Assess the current situation and identify potential challenges
- Options: Brainstorm possible strategies and solutions to achieve the goal
- Will: Commit to taking action and develop an action strategy plan
The GROW model fosters a structured approach to goal setting, providing a clear path for action and a framework for evaluating progress and addressing potential roadblocks.
OKRs
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) is a goal setting tool often used by businesses and organizations to align individual, team, and company objectives. The OKR model consists of two components:
- Objectives: Qualitative, aspirational, and motivating goals that provide a clear direction
- Key Results: Quantitative, measurable indicators that track progress towards the objectives
By implementing OKRs, organizations can enhance communication, ensure alignment across teams, and drive progress in a unified direction.
The YLB TAG Method
The Your Lifestyle Business ‘triple action goal‘ method, is a modified version of the SMART method. Rather than focusing just on ‘achievable goals‘, we want you to push yourself a little more, but to keep winning, as quick wins and momentum are what fuels the motivation to keep going.
The TAG method works by setting your goals in three levels;
- BHAG = Big Hairy Audacious Goal: This is as blue sky as it gets. Think as big as you like. If you go for the moon you may well reach the stars!
- HAG = Hairy Audacious Goal: If you manage to achieve this in your allotted time period, you’ll be over the moon.
- AG = Audacious Goal: Still a challenge; if you hit this goal, you’ll know you’re moving forward and you’ve been productive.
Hats off to Jim Collins for coming up with the BHAG in the first place.
In our 90 Day Goal Planning Journal, this is the method used to help you set your goals and stay focused and on track.
10 Popular Goal Setting Tools
In this section, we will discuss popular goal setting tools that can help you track and achieve your goals efficiently.
1. Your Lifestyle Business 90 Day Goal Setting Planner
When we talk about pursuing our dreams, building a lifestyle business, or seeking the freedom to live life on our own terms, it can often seem like a monumental task. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
That’s where our 90-Day Goal Setting Planner can make all the difference.
The planner is designed with the lifestyle entrepreneur in mind. Regardless of where you currently stand on your entrepreneurial journey, having a clear, structured plan can help to keep you focused, driven, and organized.
It’s about creating a roadmap that aligns with your entrepreneurial spirit and personal goals.
Here’s what you’ll find in our 90-Day Planner:
The TAG System for Goal Setting
This system allows you to set goals at three different levels – from your biggest dream (the BHAG or Big Hairy Audacious Goal) down to more manageable yet challenging objectives (HAGs and AGs). The idea is to help you dream big but also keep your goals within reach.
Daily Action Pages
Each day brings a new opportunity to move closer to your goals. With the daily planning pages, you can prioritize tasks that align with your top three goals, develop good habits, and manage your time effectively.
Reflective Pages for Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly Review
These pages are a place for you to pause and take stock of your journey. By reviewing your progress regularly, you can celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and adjust your plans as necessary.
Lifestyle Vision and Bucket List Pages
Envisioning your ideal lifestyle and creating a bucket list are powerful exercises. They remind you of your ‘why’ and help you stay motivated and aligned with your true desires.
Lay-Flat Binding
The planner also includes user-friendly lay-flat binding that ensures a smooth, seamless experience. Writing in the planner becomes a joy, not a chore.
Free Printable Journal Extras
To provide you with more value, we also offer a collection of helpful freebies. These include guides for goal setting and identifying your values, a planner for your perfect day, a lifestyle budget planner, a habit tracker, and a printable 13-week action planner.
So, if you’re an entrepreneur or aspire to become one, this 2-in-1 Goal Setting Planner and Journal is a tool worth considering. It helps bring structure to your ambition and puts you firmly in the driver’s seat of your own life and business.
It’s not just about reaching your goals; it’s about enjoying the journey along the way.
2. Goalscape
Goalscape is a visual goal-setting software that helps you break down your goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. Its unique radial design allows you to create, prioritize, and visualize your goals in a simple and easy-to-understand format.
Some key features of Goalscape include:
- Visualization: The radial design lets you see the big picture and the hierarchy of your goals.
- Prioritization: The software allows you to allocate/importance percentages to your goals so you can focus on what matters the most.
- Progress tracking: You can easily update your progress by adjusting the completion sliders of your sub-goals.
3. Way of Life
Way of Life is a habit-tracking app designed to help you develop and maintain good habits that contribute to achieving your goals. The app focuses on the idea that consistency is the key to success.
Features of Way of Life include:
- Customizable habit tracking: Add habits or activities you want to track and set reminders to keep you on track.
- Visual progress: The app displays your progress in the form of streaks, charts, and graphs to help you understand your habits better.
- Journaling: You can add notes and comments to track the reasons behind your successes or failures for each habit.
Way of Life is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
4. Strides
Strides is a comprehensive goal and habit tracking app designed to assist you in achieving personal and professional goals. The app emphasizes the importance of setting SMART goals and keeping track of your progress.
Features of Strides include:
- SMART goal setting: Strides guides you in creating Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals.
- Progress visualization: With an array of charts and graphs, Strides presents your progress in a visually intuitive manner.
- Flexible tracking options: Strides allows you to track anything from habits to average-based goals, targets, and project milestones.
Strides is available on iOS platforms.
5. Coach.me
Coach.me is a versatile app focused on goal achievement, habit tracking, and leadership coaching. It encourages personal growth through accountability and habit reinforcement.
Features of Coach.me include:
- Habit tracking: Add habits you wish to form and track your consistency and progress.
- Personal coaching: Access professional coaches for various goals, including fitness, business, and personal development.
- Community support: Get motivation and support from the app’s user community.
Coach.me is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
6. GoalsOnTrack
GoalsOnTrack is a robust software designed to help you set, monitor, and achieve your personal and business goals. The program underlines the significance of goal visualization and systematic progress tracking.
Features of GoalsOnTrack include:
- SMART goal templates: Utilize templates to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Progress tracking: Use the software’s comprehensive tracking system to monitor your progress towards each goal.
- Goal journaling: Keep a digital journal within the app to reflect on your journey and document insights about your progress.
GoalsOnTrack is available on both web and mobile platforms (iOS and Android).
7. Goalify
Goalify is a goal management and habit tracking app that assists you in achieving your objectives by reinforcing consistency and discipline.
Features of Goalify include:
- Flexible goal setting: Set tasks, habits, or time-based objectives according to your preference.
- Progress reminders: Set reminders that prompt you to stay consistent and make progress.
- Motivational support: Goalify provides motivational support in the form of notifications and progress reports.
Goalify is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
8. Trello
Trello is a versatile project management tool that can be utilized for tracking personal and professional goals. The app promotes productivity through effective organization and task management.
Features of Trello include:
- Board and Card System: Create boards for different goals or projects, and add cards for each task or sub-goal.
- Collaboration: Invite others to your boards to work together on common goals or projects.
- Progress tracking: Monitor your progress by moving cards across different lists on the board, typically organized as ‘To Do‘, ‘Doing‘, and ‘Done‘.
Trello is available on web, iOS, and Android platforms.
9. Asana
Asana is a dynamic project management platform that can be repurposed to help you set, manage, and achieve personal and professional goals. The platform focuses on improving organization and collaboration to drive productivity.
Features of Asana include:
- Goal and task organization: Create projects for different goals and add tasks or sub-goals within each project.
- Collaborative workspace: Invite team members to join your projects to collaborate on tasks and monitor their progress.
- Progress visualization: Use Asana’s timeline view and kanban boards to visualize your progress towards each goal.
- Integrations: Asana can be integrated with various tools like Google Calendar, Slack, and Microsoft Teams to create a comprehensive productivity system.
Asana is available on web, iOS, and Android platforms.
10. Habitica
Habitica is a unique habit-tracking and productivity app that gamifies your life, turning your tasks and goals into monsters to be conquered. The app highlights the fun in productivity and encourages you to stay motivated in a novel way.
Features of Habitica include:
- Habit tracking: Add habits that you want to develop, daily tasks, and to-dos. Completing these tasks will help you progress in the game.
- In-Game rewards: Earn rewards like armor, pets, and skills for your in-game character as you complete tasks and achieve your goals.
- Social features: Join parties with other users and take on larger challenges together. You can also compete with friends to add a layer of social motivation.
- Customizable avatars: Customize your in-game character to make the experience more engaging and personal.
Habitica is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Maximizing the Use of Goal Setting Tools
Action Plans and Task Lists
To make the most of goal setting tools, create Action Plans and Task Lists that break your goals into manageable steps.
This will help you prioritize tasks more effectively, track progress, and stay organized. Make sure to include elements like deadlines, notes, and reminders to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Tasks: Break down your goals into smaller tasks
- Notes: Add important information to keep in mind
- To-do lists: Organize tasks in a list to stay focused
- Outlines: Give your goals and tasks a clear structure
Using Charts and Insights
Leverage charts and insights provided by goal setting tools to visualize your progress, identify trends, and highlight areas that may need improvement. Making use of these features will help you stay on track and make informed decisions when adjusting your goals.
- Charts: Graphically represent progress and trends
- Insights: Analyze the data generated through charts
Customization and Folders
Optimize the use of goal setting tools by utilizing customization and folder options.
Organize your goals and tasks into categories using folders, making it easier to navigate and manage multiple objectives simultaneously. Customize the tools according to your preferences and needs for a more personal and efficient experience.
- Folders: Organize your goals for easy navigation and management
- Customization: Tailor the tools as per your preference
Social Networking Features
Many goal setting tools include social networking features that enable you to connect and collaborate with others who share similar objectives. Make use of these features to gain support, inspiration, and motivation to help you achieve your goals.
- Social network: Connect with like-minded individuals
- Sharing: Exchange ideas, advice, and progress updates with others
Effective Goal Setting Strategies
Setting Achievable and Meaningful Goals
To set achievable and meaningful goals, it’s important to ensure your objectives are grounded in your values and priorities. This helps create motivation and a greater sense of purpose.
One technique to incorporate is SMART goals, where goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Both short-term and long-term goals have their benefits and should be considered in your goal-setting process.
Short-term goals are smaller, more easily attainable tasks that help build momentum and a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, long-term goals provide a bigger picture and guide your overall direction.
- Short-term goals: Focus on tasks that can be completed within weeks or months. Examples include completing a project, learning a new skill, or organizing your workspace.
- Long-term goals: These are larger objectives that may take years to accomplish, such as career advancement, financial stability, or personal development.
Measurable Goals
Measurable goals allow you to track your progress and determine when you’ve reached your objective. To set measurable goals, include quantifiable metrics or specific outcomes to evaluate. For example:
- Weight loss: Losing 10lbs in 3 months
- Savings: Accumulating $5,000 in a savings account by the end of the year
Realistic Goals
Realistic goals take into consideration your abilities, resources, and constraints. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, so it’s important to assess what is feasible. To set realistic goals, consider:
- Your current skillset and the skills required to complete the goal
- The time and resources needed
- Any external factors that may influence your ability to achieve the goal
By focusing on achievable and meaningful goals, incorporating both short-term and long-term objectives, ensuring goals are measurable, and setting realistic goals, you can increase your chances of reaching your desired outcomes.
Maintaining Motivation and Progress Tracking
Habit Building
Building good habits is crucial for maintaining motivation and achieving your goals. By turning desired actions into habits, you’re more likely to stick to your goals and make continuous progress.
Some goal tracking apps, such as Coach.me, focus on helping you create and maintain good habits. When selecting your goal tracking tool, consider whether habit-building features are important for you.
Tracking Progress and Data
Monitoring your progress and data is essential for staying motivated and adjusting your approach when necessary.
Many goal tracking tools, like the YLB 90 Day Planner, offer features such as SMART goal templates and time blockers to help you manage tasks and keep track of your progress. Other features may include progress and reflection exercises that enable you to understand trends and patterns.
Look for a goal tracking tool that provides the necessary features to effectively monitor your progress.
Celebrating Achievements
Recognizing and celebrating achievements can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue working towards your goals. Goal tracking apps with built-in reward systems or milestones can help you stay engaged and motivated.
For example, Habitica allows users to earn rewards for keeping on track with their goals. When choosing your goal tracking tool, consider whether gamification or milestone-based features would help boost your motivation.
Coaching and Community Support
Having access to coaching or community support can be invaluable when it comes to maintaining motivation and working towards your goals. Some goal tracking apps offer coaching services, like Coach.me, which provides users with the option to access professional coaches. Other tools may include community forums or social features that connect you with like-minded individuals working towards similar goals.
Prioritize goal tracking tools that prioritize coaching and community support if these resources are important for your success.
Additional Goal Setting Resources
Goal Setting Templates
A variety of free goal setting templates are available online to help you create, plan, and track your goals. Some examples include:
- SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals can make your objectives more manageable and increase your chances of success.
- Action plans: Break down your goals into smaller tasks and assign deadlines, making it easier to measure your progress and stay on track.
- CBT and DBT worksheets: These templates are particularly useful for therapy and coaching, helping you understand and overcome mental challenges related to goal setting.
Books and Articles on Goal Setting
Several books and articles offer insights and techniques on effective goal setting. Some notable works include:
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: This book highlights the importance of passion, perseverance, and resilience in achieving long-term goals.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: It demonstrates the habits and practices that can contribute to successful goal setting and achievement.
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: The author explains how understanding and modifying your habits can significantly impact goal achievement.
In addition to these books, numerous articles, research studies, and blog posts are available on the topic of goal setting and personal development.
Workshops and Seminars
Attending workshops and seminars on goal setting can provide valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities. Look for events that:
- Focus on effective goal-setting techniques: This includes understanding your goals, creating action plans, and applying strategies to overcome obstacles.
- Emphasize the importance of grit and perseverance: These qualities play a significant role in achieving long-term goals and can be fostered through workshops and training.
- Offer practical, hands-on exercises: “Learning by doing” can be a powerful way to internalize new skills and techniques, enhancing your goal-setting abilities.
Make sure to research and register for events that align with your areas of interest in goal setting and personal development.
10 Best Goal Setting Tools – Summary
Setting and achieving goals is an integral part of our personal and professional growth. Fortunately, with the range of innovative tools available today, this process has become much easier and enjoyable.
From visually striking apps like Strides and Goalscape, to gamified productivity platforms like Habitica, to comprehensive goal-setting tools such as GoalsOnTrack and Asana – there’s something for everyone.
However, if you’re someone who enjoys the tactile and personal nature of handwriting your goals, our 90 Day Goal Planning Journal offers a different kind of experience. While digital tools offer convenience and various features, a physical journal provides a more intimate and reflective interaction with your goals.
Writing by hand has been linked to improved memory and understanding, offering a deeper connection to your ambitions. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of physically crossing off a completed goal. (See below to sign up for the early bird launch special)
Whether you’re a seasoned goal-setter or just beginning your journey towards self-improvement, these tools, digital or physical, can provide you with the structure, motivation, and insights needed to successfully reach your objectives.
Remember, the best tool is the one that fits your needs and preferences. So explore, experiment, and find the tool that aligns best with your goal-setting style. Here’s to achieving your goals and making your dreams a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are popular software for goal setting?
There are several popular software options for goal setting, such as the 90 Day Goal Setting Journal, Trello, Asana, and more.
Each platform offers varying features and levels of customization, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Which tools are best for tracking goals?
For tracking goals effectively, consider tools like the 90 Day Goal Setting Journal, Habitica, or Coach.me.
These applications help to break down tasks, monitor progress, and generate reports, making it easier to stay focused and accountable in achieving your goals.
How can employees benefit from goal setting tools?
Employees can benefit from goal setting tools by enhancing their productivity, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks. These tools help employees stay focused, collaborate with their team, and align their efforts with company objectives.
Additionally, tracking goal progress can increase motivation and contribute to a sense of accomplishment.
What features are essential in goal tracking software?
Essential features in goal tracking software include task setting, deadline tracking, progress monitoring, and the ability to collaborate with others. Look for a platform that allows you to customize goals, create checklists or subtasks and provides milestone tracking and performance analytics.
How do SMART goals relate to setting tools?
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are a widely-used goal-setting framework. A good goal-setting tool should allow for the creation of SMART goals by prompting you to specify and track each component as you set and work toward your goals.
What are the main principles of goal setting?
The main principles of goal setting involve establishing clear, specific, and measurable objectives; prioritizing these goals; breaking them down into smaller tasks; setting deadlines; and monitoring progress.
These principles help ensure that the path to achieving goals is well-defined with actionable steps, and that progress can be effectively measured and adjusted as needed.