The Power of Purpose: How to Work with Goals That Truly Matter
We all set goals. Some are simple and everyday—like drinking more water or getting outside more. Others are bigger, the kind that shift careers, shape relationships, or change how we see ourselves. But not all goals work the same way. Some fizzle out. Others light a fire.
So what makes a goal actually work?
In this post, we’ll explore:
What goals are and why they matter
The psychology of goal-setting (and why your brain loves goals)
How goals function in the context of coaching
Simple tools and thought exercises to help you assess or refine your current goals
So, What Exactly Is a Goal?
At its heart, a goal is simply this: a desired future state. Something you want to do, be, have, or experience that’s different from where you are now.
But more than just a to-do list item, a good goal helps you focus, channel your energy, and navigate decisions with more clarity.
That said, not all goals are created equal. Some are vague (“I want to feel better”), others are too rigid (“I must lose exactly 10kg by next month”), and some don’t even come from us—they’re someone else’s expectation disguised as our own.
The best goals feel personal, energizing, and just challenging enough to stretch us.
Why Goals Actually Matter (Psychologically Speaking)
Psychologists have been studying goals for decades, and the research is clear: goals enhance motivation, performance, and wellbeing—but only when they’re set and used well.
Two foundational theories can help us understand why:
Goal-Setting Theory (Locke & Latham)
This theory tells us that clear, challenging goals lead to higher performance than vague or “do your best” types. Effective goals are:
Specific and well-defined
Moderately challenging
Connected to regular feedback or tracking
Aligned with personal commitment
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan)
This model says we’re more likely to stick with goals that are autonomous (chosen by us), competence-enhancing, and connected to meaning or relationships.
In short, if your goal lights you up from the inside out—it’s far more likely to stick.
Thought Exercise: “Where Am I Heading?”
Grab a notebook or just reflect quietly for a moment.
What’s something in your life right now that feels unresolved or ripe for change?
If nothing changed over the next six months, what would you feel frustrated about?
If you could wave a magic wand and fix one thing—what would it be?
These kinds of questions begin to surface meaningful goals, even if they’re not fully formed yet.
What Makes a Goal Workable?
Here are a few simple tools to turn a vague wish into something more structured and powerful.
The SMART Filter
You’ve likely heard of this—because it works. Try applying it to a current goal:
Specific – What exactly do I want to achieve?
Measurable – How will I know it’s happening?
Achievable – Is this realistic in my current life?
Relevant – Why does this matter to me now?
Time-bound – When would I like to see progress?
Example:
Instead of “Be more productive,” try:
“Block two hours every weekday for deep work, and reduce daily distractions for the next 30 days.”
Goals in the Context of Coaching
In coaching, goals are the compass. They help orient the conversation and give structure to your growth.
But here’s the thing: in coaching, the goal isn’t always obvious at the start. And that’s okay.
You might show up thinking your goal is “to manage my time better,” only to discover, through reflection and dialogue, that it’s actually about boundaries—or confidence—or needing to let go of perfectionism.
That’s part of the beauty of coaching: it’s a space where you can refine your goals, clarify what really matters, and explore what success would look like for you.
Thought Exercise: “What Would Be a Win?”
Before a big conversation (like coaching or a strategy meeting), try this:
If this conversation went really well, what would I walk away with?
What insight, shift, or plan would make me feel it was time well spent?
What’s the real change I’m hoping for—even if I haven’t said it out loud yet?
Even rough clarity here can transform a conversation.
How to Know If Your Goal Is Aligned
Try asking yourself:
Does this goal excite me—or just stress me?
Is it my goal, or am I doing this for someone else?
What’s the deeper “why” behind this goal?
How will my life feel different if I achieve this?
Sometimes, the best goal isn’t something new to add—but something to let go of.
Visualize It Forward: One Last Thought Exercise
Close your eyes and imagine it’s six months from now.
You’ve made real progress toward your goal.
What’s different in your day-to-day life?
How do you feel when you wake up?
What are you proud of?
Who else is impacted?
This simple visualization taps into your deeper motivation and helps anchor your goal in a lived future—not just a theory.
Final Thoughts: Goals Aren’t Just for Getting Things Done—They’re for Becoming Who You Want to Be
A good goal does more than organize your calendar—it helps you grow. The best goals aren’t always the easiest or fastest—they’re the ones that reflect your values, invite your courage, and align with what you truly want.
Whether you're setting goals on your own, exploring them with a coach, or just getting curious about what comes next—take time to reflect, refine, and reconnect with what matters.
Because when you’re clear on where you’re heading, even the small steps start to feel purposeful.
